Giant Robot Store and GR2 News
GAME NIGHT 11 I WANNA BE THE GUY GAIDEN | WALKER SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20, 7-10PM I Wanna Be The Guy Gaiden by Michael “Kayin” O’Reilly: The sequel to the most difficult game sensation I Wanna Be The Guy. A platformer that takes sprites from games of your childhood memories – and you may not have seen this one coming – kills you with them. Walker by Blake Fix: An impressively large platformer with beautiful sprite art, a whimsical sense of humour and a single-button control system. Playing as the titular Walker, you embark on a grand quest to… walk somewhere, in a mostly forwards/rightwards direction! And jump on stuff! Facebook event. >> LE MERDE COASTERS A new set of drink coasters by Le Merde. Only 50 of each variety are made. Hand printed. LE MERDE DRINK KOOZIE Misty Fog Pyramid is perfect to keep your can of brew frosty cold! LE MERDE HOT DOGGIN T-SHIRT The T-shirt reflects Le Merde’s work from the current exhibition. LE MERDE PRICE BUTTON Le Merde button featuring his Hollis character. GR X GARGAMEL X LE MERDE *SIGNED* VINYL FIGURE A classic figure now signed by Le Merde himself. LE MERDE BIG PRINT 2 Le Merde has released prints to coincide with the show Misty Fog’s Combat Rock with Kiyoka Ikeda. 20 PIECES OF DREAMS EXHIBITION BY MARI INUKAI & SPECIAL GUESTS OCTOBER 27 – NOVEMBER 14, 2012 RECEPTION: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27, 6:30-10PM In Japan, a 20th Birthday is a “Coming of Age” birthday. It includes ceremonies and parties, and it’s akin to becoming 21 in the US. We’ll be celebrating Mari Inukai’s Daughter, Sena’s birthday on October 27th at Giant Robot 2 in West LA. The Exhibition will feature: Mari Inukai, Sena Inukai, Amy Sol, Audrey Kawasaki, Edwin Ushiro, Elizabeth Ito, Fumi Omori, Katsuya Terada, Kent Williams, Sean Chao, Stella Im Hultberg, Tessar Lo, and Yoskay Yamamoto. >> NEW MUSIC REVIEWS: DUM DUM GIRLS, PINBACK, IT’S CASUAL, RITES OF SPRING, FUGAZI EDITS, DOUBLE AUGHT SPY CAR By MARTIN WONG Here’s a rundown on some new and upcoming releases that I’ve been digging. >> GR2 LE MERDE AND KIYOKA IKEDA PHOTOS By GIANT ROBOT NEWS The walls had paper murals to be colored in a little at a time by guests and they turned out great. That’s Matt Specktor, daughter and Mike Kelly (Le Merde). >> JANM KOKORO CRAFT BOUTIQUE By GIANT ROBOT NEWS Photos of the Kokoro Craft Boutique at the Japanese American National Museum. That’s Rodney Kageyama and Tamlyn Tomita. >> 2015 Sawtelle Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90025 2062 Sawtelle Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90025
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MISTY FOG’S COMBAT ROCK LE MERDE & KIYOKA IKEDA SEPTEMBER 29 – OCTOBER 24, 2012 RECEPTION: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 6:30-10PM Giant Robot is proud to present Misty Fog’s Combat Rock, an exhibition featuring Le Merde and Kiyoka Ikeda of kaiju toy company, Gargamel. Known for his hand sculpted figures, Le Merde has worked tirelessly on a new direction in his work. This exhibit will focus on Le Merde’s Misty Fog line of figures. New items will include: New T-shirt, New Beer Koozie, 4 new Coaster prints. 4 color art pieces and various customs of the new sculpts. Also scheduled is a new figure release. Le Merde’s last solo appearance at GR2 was in 2009 for his Bruised, Beaten, and Blackened exhibition. He also participated in the Biennale 2: 15 years with David Horvath and Yukinori Dehara. Facebook event. Preview artwork. >> KOKORO CRAFT BOUTIQUE SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 10AM-4PM JAPANESE AMERICAN NATIONAL MUSEUM Showcase and sale of unique, high quality, handcrafted, artist designed merchandise. Craft items for sale include: origami art, unique jewelry, kimono fabric clothing, handbags, silk/yarn scarves, ceramic and miniature bronze sculptures, cultural t-shirts, stationery, glass art, and much more! Free admission to Japanese American National Museum exhibitions with craft show purchase ($5 minimum) (September 30, 2012 only). On the Plaza: Yuujou Taiko will perform at 12PM. >> GIANT ROBOT BIENNALE 3 BUTTON SET To coincide with the Biennale 3 exhibition at the Japanese American National Museum, we’ve released a set of 12 buttons. Cool, simple silhouettes of Horvath Kaiju characters and the classic Big Boss Robot logo. LE MERDE – MISTY FOG’S COMBAT ROCK T-SHIRT Mike Kelly (Le Merde) always designs the coolest shirts. Get one at this Saturday’s opening reception. GIANT ROBOT BIENNALE 3 HORVATH T-SHIRT (GID) The T-shirt features a mix of David Horvath and GR Big Boss Robot silhouetted icons. THEO ELLSWORTH - THE UNDERSTANDING MONSTER: BOOK ONE While maintaining the intimate nature of his debut Capacity, Ellsworth has taken his personal experience to an entirely new reality, exploding with color and energy. STEVEN WEISSMAN - BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA The American cartoonist takes from the lives of the leaders of the free world, his friends, his family, his sworn enemies, and gives them a new life that is both withering and oblique. ADRIAN TOMINE - 32 STORIES BOX SET Redesigned to coincide with the release of Shortcomings in paperback is a brand-new edition of Adrian Tomine’s first book, 32 Stories. ADRIAN TOMINE - NEW YORK DRAWINGS New York Drawings is a loving homage to the city that Tomine, a West Coast transplant, has called home for the past seven years. GIANT ROBOT BIENNALE 3 – PHOTO SET 1 By ERIC NAKAMURA Photos from the Giant Robot Biennale 3 opening party at the Japanese American Museum. Photos by Dean Gojobori. Artists Rob Sato and Ako Castuera pictured above. >> GIANT ROBOT BIENNALE 3 – PHOTO SET 2 By ERIC NAKAMURA Artists Deth P Sun and Marci Washington pictured above. >>...
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GIANT ROBOT BIENNALE 3 JAPANESE AMERICAN NATIONAL MUSEUM SEPTEMBER 23 – JAN 20, 2013 OPENING PARTY: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 6-10PM The Japanese American National Museum presents Giant Robot Biennale 3, its third show in conjunction with Eric Nakamura, owner of Asian American pop culture juggernaut Giant Robot. The expansive show features a gallery of eight emerging artists along with a customized vinyl figure collection. Following two previous successful exhibitions at the National Museum, the Biennale continues to push the envelope with a creative, fresh, and uniquely interactive experience. This year’s exhibition highlights the works of Rob Sato, Deth P. Sun, Ako Castuera, Eishi Takaoka, Saelee Oh, Sean Chao, Albert Reyes, and Zach Gage, all with long ties to Giant Robot. Each artist brings their original style, from whimsical wall paintings and creatures in clay worlds, to a life-size “haunted” maze especially built for this Biennale. Using Uglydoll creator David Horvath figures, Nakamura curated Project Remix, a custom vinyl show with over 80 artists from seven countries—including the rare combination of both established customizers and fine artists. The roster of artists for the project (UPDATED): 64 Colors, A Little Stranger, Aaron Brown, Angry Woebots, Arbito, Atsushi Honda, Aya Kakeda, Bert Gatchalian, Betso, Bigfoot, Brent Nolasco, Bwana Spoons, Camilla d’Errico, Chuckboy, Clement Hanami, Cris Rose, D-Lux, Darth Rimmer, David Horvath, Yukinori Dehara, DrilOne, Edwin Ushiro, Elizabeth Ito, Fakir, Frank Mysterio, Gary Ham, Harpoon, Helena Garcia, J*Ryu, Jason Limon, Jeff Lamm, Jeni Yang, Jeremiah Ketner, Jesse Hernandez, Joe Hahn, Joe Ledbetter, Josh Herbolsheimer, Julie West, kaNO, Kat Brunegraff, Kio Griffith, Kiyoshi, Kohei Yamashita, Koji Harmon, Leecifer, Le Merde, Len Higa, Lou Pimentel, Luke Chueh, Luke Rook, Lunabee, Mari Inukai, Mark Nagata, Martin Hsu, Meat Bun, Miso, Nakanari, Nathan Ota, Nebulon5, Nick Arciaga, Noferin, Okkle, Oliver Hibert, Bob Conge – Plaseebo, Podgy Panda, Reactor 88, Rohby, Sarah Neyhart, Scott Tolleson, Scott Wilkowski, Shane Jessup, Shawnimals, Danni Shinya Luo, Spanky Stokes, Spencer Hibert, Squink!, Stasia Burrington, Susie Ghahremani, Tado, Tara Logsdon, Tiffany Liu, Tristan Eaton, UAMOU, Valerie Gudell, Yoskay Yamamoto. Special additions to the exhibition include an original piece from Japanese painter Masakatsu Sashie as well as arcade machines running Jeni Yang and Beau Blyth’s new indie video game, Catburger. Facebook event. >> UGLYDOLL KEYCHAIN We have a colorful variety of new Uglydoll keychains available in many of your favorite characters. MOLESKINE SHELL Case for smartphone, iPod, digital camera and small personal items. MOLESKINE LEGO RULED NOTEBOOK A special limited edition collaboration between Lego and Moleskine. NIKKI MCCLURE PREPARE 2013 CALENDAR Each image is an original papercut, cut from a single piece of paper. NIKKI MCCLURE APPLE BOOK Apple follows the life of an apple throughout the year. JIBIBUTS ARTIST COLLECTION FIGURE These 100% Birch wood figures have been custom designed by 12 different artists. GOOD LUCK TROLL FIGURE SERIES 1 If you grew up in the early 90′s you must be familiar. CAPSL SERIES 1 ZIPPER PULL / KEYCHAIN Behold the Capsl creations of Jason Freeny. GIANT ROBOT BIENNALE VIDEO By...
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HAUNTS JOHN PHAM AND ROB SATO SEPTEMBER 8 – SEPTEMBER 26, 2012 RECEPTION: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 6:30-10PM Giant Robot is proud to present Haunts, a two person exhibition featuring the work of John Pham and Rob Sato. John Pham shows extensively with Giant Robot 2 and is currently working in the animation industry. An avid Street Fighter player, Pham is a video game enthusiast and has published numerous narrative comic stories. Rob Sato’s watercolor works can be absurd but are quickly settling into a more subtle and abstract direction. Sato is known for his detailed watercolor works that take extensive research and time. His works will be exhibited at the Japanese American National Museum exhibition: Giant Robot Biennale 3. Facebook event. >> GIANT ROBOT BIENNALE 3 SEPTEMBER 23 – JAN 20, 2013 RECEPTION: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 6-10PM The Japanese American National Museum presents Giant Robot Biennale 3, its third show in conjunction with Eric Nakamura, owner of Asian American pop culture juggernaut Giant Robot. The expansive show features a gallery of eight emerging artists along with a customized vinyl figure collection. Following two previous successful exhibitions at the National Museum, the Biennale continues to push the envelope with a creative, fresh, and uniquely interactive experience. This year’s exhibition highlights the works of Rob Sato, Deth P. Sun, Ako Castuera, Eishi Takaoka, Saelee Oh, Sean Chao, Albert Reyes, and Zach Gage, all with long ties to Giant Robot. Each artist brings their original style, from whimsical wall paintings and creatures in clay worlds, to a life-size “haunted” maze especially built for this Biennale. Using Uglydoll creator David Horvath figures, Nakamura curated Project Remix, a custom vinyl show with over 80 artists from seven countries—including the rare combination of both established customizers and fine artists. The roster of artists for the project: 64 Colors, A Little Stranger, Aaron Brown, Angry Woebots, Arbito, Atsushi Honda, Aya Kakeda, Bert Gatchalian, Betso, Brent Nolasco, Bwana Spoons, Camilla d’Errico, Chuckboy, Clement Hanami, Cris Rose, D-Lux, Darth Rimmer, David Horvath, Yukinori Dehara, DrilOne, Edwin Ushiro, Elizabeth Ito, Fakir, Frank Mysterio, Gary Ham, Harpoon, Helena Garcia, J*Ryu, Jason Limon, Jeff Lamm, Jeni Yang, Jeremiah Ketner, Jesse Hernandez, Joe Hahn, Joe Ledbetter, Josh Herbolsheimer, Julie West, kaNO, Kat Brunegraff, Kio Griffith, Kiyoshi, Kohei Yamashita, Koji Harmon, Leecifer, Le Merde, Len Higa, Lou Pimentel, Luke Chueh, Luke Rook, Lunabee, Mari Inukai, Mark Nagata, Martin Hsu, Meat Bun, Miso, Nakanari, Nathan Ota, Nebulon5, Nick Arciaga, Noferin, Okkle, Oliver Hibert, Bob Conge – Plaseebo, Podgy Panda, Reactor 88, Rohby, Sarah Neyhart, Scott Tolleson, Scott Wilkowski, Shane Jessup, Shawnimals, Danni Shinya Luo, Spanky Stokes, Spencer Hibert, Squink!, Stasia Burrington, Tado, Tara Logsdon, Tiffany Liu, Tristan Eaton, UAMOU, Valerie Gudell, YoskayYamamoto. Special additions to the exhibition include an original piece from Japanese painter Masakatsu Sashie as well as arcade machines running Jeni Yang and Beau Blyth’s new indie video game, Catburger. Facebook event. >> MINI FIGURE SET DOMO-KUN Set of 8 mini figures that include Domo as a luchador wrestler, dinosaur, devil, life...
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HAUNTS JOHN PHAM AND ROB SATO SEPTEMBER 8 – SEPTEMBER 26, 2012 RECEPTION: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 6:30-10PM Giant Robot is proud to present Haunts, a two person exhibition featuring the work of John Pham and Rob Sato. John Pham shows extensively with Giant Robot 2 and is currently working in the animation industry. An avid Street Fighter player, Pham is a video game enthusiast and has published numerous narrative comic stories. Rob Sato’s watercolor works can be absurd but are quickly settling into a more subtle and abstract direction. Sato is known for his detailed watercolor works that take extensive research and time. His works will be exhibited at the Japanese American National Museum exhibition: Giant Robot Biennale 3. Facebook event. >> SERIES 2 FIGURES TREESON & OTHER STORIES A new series of vinyl figures, featuring Treeson and character designs based on Bubi Au Yeung’s book “Treeson & Other Stories.” LITTLE WANDERER FIGURE YOSHITOMO NARA Drag the Little Wanderer back a bit, let it go, and it propels itself across whatever flat surface you like. PUPCUP FIGURE YOSHITOMO NARA Turn it on and watch it go, whirling, twirling and swirling in all different directions. PLEASE BE BRAVE ZINE DETH P. SUN Featuring drawings and sketches all by the artist, this zine accompanied his show at GR2 “Please Be Brave.” THE VARIOUS THINGS I EAT ZINE DETH P. SUN A pictorial catalog of an artist’s diet. BEER/DRINK COZY DETH P. SUN Featuring his I See All design, this beer cozy holds your drinks, securely encasing it in art. BEER/DRINK COZY DETH P. SUN We also offer a blue variety that features a custom design. GIANT ROBOT BIENNALE 3 SEPTEMBER 23 – JAN 20, 2013 RECEPTION: SEPTEMBER 22 The Japanese American National Museum presents Giant Robot Biennale 3, its third show in conjunction with Eric Nakamura, owner of Asian American pop culture juggernaut Giant Robot. The expansive show features a gallery of eight emerging artists along with a customized vinyl figure collection. Following two previous successful exhibitions at the National Museum, the Biennale continues to push the envelope with a creative, fresh, and uniquely interactive experience. This year’s exhibition highlights the works of Rob Sato, Deth P. Sun, Ako Castuera, Eishi Takaoka, Saelee Oh, Sean Chao, Albert Reyes, and Zach Gage, all with long ties to Giant Robot. Each artist brings their original style, from whimsical wall paintings and creatures in clay worlds, to a life-size “haunted” maze especially built for this Biennale. Using Uglydoll creator David Horvath figures, Nakamura curated Project Remix, a custom vinyl show with over 80 artists from seven countries—including the rare combination of both established customizers and fine artists. The Roster of Artists for the project: 64 Colors, A Little Stranger, Aaron Brown, Angry Woebots, Arbito, Atsushi Honda, Aya Kakeda, Bert Gatchalian, Betso, Brent Nolasco, Bwana Spoons, Camilla d’Errico, Chuckboy, Clement Hanami, Cris Rose, D-Lux, Darth Rimmer, David Horvath, Yukinori Dehara, DrilOne, Edwin Ushiro, Elizabeth Ito, Fakir, Frank Mysterio, Gary Ham, Harpoon, Helena Garcia, J*Ryu, Jason...
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