Giant Robot Store and GR2 News

To most, Giant Robot Biennale 3 at JANM is simply the biggest, best group show that an indie artist can be associated with. It isn’t very often that pop-rooted, independent fine artists (Asian or not) are given a top-shelf venue to gather and shine. Eric does a rad job of cultivating this scene, and has built up a real family of artists in the process. I am really proud to have worked with him on the magazine that has showcased so many of them.

So as the end of publication nears its two year mark, attending the opening felt a lot like a family reunion to me. I hardly get out to Sawtelle these days, and see Eric and the artists pretty rarely. So while it was especially cool to see the amazing art on the first day (such as the sculpture by Ako Castuera, above) it was just as rad to see so many people that I have grown close to (like the Big Boss Robot and his family, below).

Okay, it’s not like I knew everyone there. After I answered the person who checked me in that I was with four guests instead of one, she looked annoyed and asked, “Are you an artist?” No, but I quickly took the stickers for my wife Wendy (who designed GR mags 18-68), daughter Eloise, niece Lucia, and cousin visiting from New Zealand and moved on.

Right after the opening remarks by Eric and JANM representatives, Wendy and I saw our friends Susie Ghahremani and Michael Esten. They drove up from San Diego in time for the Chickfactor concert and stuck around to see Susie’s customs in the opening!

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Giant Robot Presents 20 pieces of Dreams An Exhibition by Mari Inukai and Special Guests 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 An opening reception for Mari Inukai, Sena and Friends will take place from 6:30 – 10:00 PM on Saturday, October 27th. October 27th – November 14th 2012 Reception: Saturday, October 27th, 6:30 – 10:00 PM GR2 2062 Sawtelle Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90025 http://gr2.net/ For more information about Mari Inukai GR2, or anything else: Eric Nakamura Giant Robot Owner/Publisher eric@giantrobot.com (310) 445 9276
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You may know Kiyoka Ikeda from Gargamel and you know Mike Kelly (Le Merde) together they’re combining forces to create a new body of work. Here’s a preview of what’s to come. The color ways are amazing.   Moai in the middle has to be a nod to Tokyo’s Moai at Shibuya station (Easter Island), Sphinx and the pyramids. I dig this kind of thinking. Coasters! Following up on his last set of coasters, here’s a preview of the new upcoming set.
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  GIANT ROBOT BIENNALE 3 OPENING PARTY SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 6-10PM JAPANESE AMERICAN NATIONAL MUSEUM FREE ADMISSION! LIVE MUSIC BY: MONEY MARK (7:30PM) 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. Learn more about the artists here. 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 page. JANM event page.  >> 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. ON SALE TODAY (1PM PST): SCOTT WILKOWSKI – INFECTED: FLATWOODS REVISITED RED It’s an Edition of 30. 1 of which will be exhibited at the Giant Robot Biennale 3: Remix Project. HINT MINT AUDREY KAWASAKI SERIES Audrey Kawasaki’s beautiful paintings adorn the collectible tins. UGLYDOLL POWER BABO (SDCC 2012) Rest assured, your cookie jar is finally safe. ANDREW HEM DREAMS TOWARDS REALITY Andrew Hem’s artwork captures the rich emotion of inbetween states.         GIANT ROBOT BIENNALE VIDEO By ERIC NAKAMURA Here’s a video to tell you about the exhibition. I’m...
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