Giant Robot Store and GR2 News
giant robot time: 2.22.13 | artwork by: jeremiah ketner LUKE ROOK IS GRODY TO THE MAX FEB 23 – MAR 13, 2013 OPENING RECEPTION: SAT, FEB 23, 6:30-10PM Luke Rook is a toy maker who moved to Japan to pursue his dreams of being part of the toy world. He researched and soon hit the ground running. He soon gained international recognition for his Grody Shogun figures as well as his unrelenting approach to toy making. There’s none other like him. His humbleness in his work is almost unique and his creativity and ability to think of how toys can be created and put together are that of a fine artist. He won’t hesitate to use parts and pieces that are normally discarded to use. He’ll blend parts of one figure and put them on another to create an entirely different object. We’re proud to bring his works to you in a gallery setting. MORE INFO | FACEBOOK EVENT P+G DESIGN POCHI HELLO KITTY POUCH p+g Design teams up with Hello Kitty to release these silicone coin pouches. SPRINKLE CAT GRASS | CATNIP Grown your own Cat Grass and Catnip with these seeds. TERRARIUM BOTTLE MOSS Bamboo “chopstick” tool + base ribbon band for base and directions. GARDEN-IN-A-BAG THANK YOU | HAPPY BIRTHDAY Kit includes plastic lined kraft-paper bag, soil, and seeds. SEAN CHAO NEW PRINTS Close-ups of his sculptures are captured in photos. UGLYDOLL CUDDLY UGLYS Uglys make your favorite Uglydoll characters even more hugable! SCRATCH BOX VOICE BOX SOUND EFFECTS: BODILY FUNCTIONS SOUND EFFECTS: FART FANFARE LA ZINE FEST PHOTOS By GIANT ROBOT NEWS Pics by Dean Gojobori. >> 2015 Sawtelle Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90025 2062 Sawtelle Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90025
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Something he sent along to get us excited!
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The pocket edition of Tekkonkinkreet is out this week, featuring new cover art by Taiyō Matsumoto, some rarely-seen color artwork, and an afterword that I wrote (humbly) for this edition. These beautiful little books are currently available only in Japan, but the folks at Shogakukan Comics have seen fit to print my contribution in both Japanese and English. This has already been an unusually prolific year for Taiyō, with pocket editions of older works coming out regularly and Sunny, his newest, currently serialized in Shogakukan’s IKKI comics (the 3rd collected volume of Sunny has just been released in Japan and an English edition is in the works). As if that weren’t enough, the Toronto Comic Arts Festival have announced a gallery show of original Taiyō artwork as well as a screening of my filmed adaptation of Tekkonkinkreet. Taiyo Matsumoto is a Japanese comics creator whose kinetic style and thoughtful, considered narratives have won him fans across the world. Drawing on a wide range of artistic influences from Japan and Europe, Matsumoto’s graphic novels evidence a deep knowledge and appreciation of the entire world of comics. Matsumoto is best known to English-reading audiences for his work Tekkonkinkreet, which was adapted into an Academy Award-nominated animated film in 2007. Originally released in English as “Black & White”, the graphic novel and film have drawn wide acclaim thanks to their beauty and unique style. His other English-language works include Blue Spring, GoGo Monster, and No.5. Matsumoto also has an extensive bibliography of works translated into French, including all of his English works and the additional series’ Ping Pong (5 volumes), Le Samourai Bambou (8 volumes), and Freres du Japon. Matsumoto has also had live-action film adaptations of his works Blue Spring and Ping Pong, both of which are available on DVD in North America. Taiyo Matsumoto will debut his brand new ongoing manga series Sunny at TCAF, published in English by Viz Media. The World of Taiyo Matsumoto: This talented and prolific cartoonist’s career will be explored through a full program of Festival events, headlined by an exhibition of original artwork and goods, to be held at and in conjunction with The Japan Foundation, Toronto. Further events will include a special screening of the film Tekkonkinkreet with Director Michael Arias and Screenwriter Anthony Weintraub in attendance. Toronto Comics Art Festival website I can’t praise Taiyō Matsumoto and his unique work enough. from Michael at michaelarias.net
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Luke Rook is Grody to the Max Feb 23 – Mar 13th, 2013 Luke Rook is a toy maker who moved to Japan to pursue his dreams of being part of the toy world. He researched and soon hit the ground running. He soon gained international recognition for his Grody Shogun figures as well as his unrelenting approach to toy making. There’s none other like him. His humbleness in his work is almost unique and his creativity and ability to think of how toys can be created and put together are that of a fine artist. He won’t hesitate to use parts and pieces that are normally discarded to use. He’ll blend parts of one figure and put them on another to create an entirely different object. We’re proud to bring his works to you in a gallery setting. For any other information on or about Luke Rook or anything else contact Eric Nakamura at Giant Robot. Luke Rook is Grody to the Max Feb 23 – Mar 13, 2013 Opening Reception: Saturday, Feb 23, 2013 6:30 – 10:00 PM GR2 2062 Sawtelle Boulevard Los Angeles CA 90025 http://gr2.net/ eric (at) giantrobot.com 310 445.9276
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