Yoshitaka Amano at New People S.F.


The show might be not-so-current news at this point, as I just got to see it on its last day this Saturday, but the work is just too good not to be shared.  I had the pleasure of making it to the Yoshitaka Amano: FOR JAPAN exhibit and auction just in time.  I attribute part of my hesitation to the promotional materials for the show which featured his signature black and white character design but in the end it was probably just neglect on my part.  Nevertheless, while I still enjoy the black and white body of his work it's something that we've all seen time and time again from Amano.


You can imagine my surprise when I walked into New People's FROG Gallery and saw these amazing large scale color portraits.  Some of these are of Amano's characters from Gatchaman but many were something I had not seen before from him.  The exception being one piece on permanent display in the New People lobby which I realize came from a similar show in the past.

Photo courtesy of Iris Chen

The green portrait at the top of this post has grown to be my favorite of them all for some reason.  There is a definite strength in his female characters.  They are powerful, sensual, and often, as a friend of mine put it, coquettish.  Yet there is also something unsettling about them, made obvious in some pieces where the eyes were deliberately crossed or skewed, that can leave me feeling tenuous and uneasy.  It lends these girls an initial appearance of beauty but makes them somewhat grotesque on closer inspection.


The fact that these qualities are present in Amano's work is a sure sign that he has at last joined the ranks of the Superflat movement.  The two pieces above are especially reminiscient of some Murakami works, albeit executed in Amano's own style.  I never thought of Amano as a Superflat artist based on his previous concept and illustration art.  This is a welcome evolution of my perception of him to be sure.


Of particular interest to me here is how Amano executed these paintings.  While I cannot be entirely sure without further research I believe to have determined his method.  All of these pieces are around five inches in depth off the wall and have a completely smooth gloss finish.  This seemed to be curious given that the edges were a bit too perfect to be done by hand.  The painting treatment itself looked as if it were done in cell vinyl paint.


Given Amano's background in the anime industry, this would make sense.  So my theory, for what it's worth, is that these are all made in prefabricated plexiglass boxes which were painted using animation cell vinyl paint from the inside.  It's a brilliant idea and one that I have thought about myself without knowing how to execute it exactly.  I was always curious about what cell art would look like on a large scale, presented as fine art.  And here we are.  Much better than what I could have probably come up with.


If you didn't get to see Amano's work in this exhibit, there should still be that piece in New People's lobby which is definitely worth a look.  Otherwise check out a few more shots from the show after the jump.


Artists 2 Love

James Jean [link]

Al Farrow [link]

More great artwork after the jump.  Enjoy...


RISE JAPAN: Art Shows Benefiting Japan Relief Efforts


As the tragedy in Japan slowly unfolded, artists across the world quickly came together and organized art shows and events to raise funds for the earthquake and tsunami relief efforts.  Many of these were organized on the West Coast, and local artists in the San Francisco bay area are mounting a two part exhibition with all proceeds going to Give2Asia: Artists Help Japan.


Rise Japan Vol. 1 took place at Kokoro and Gallery Heist on on April 2.  Most artwork was priced around $100 to make it more affordable and each piece is both shows is a full donation on part of the artist.  My friends Jeremyriad and Sean-Franc are now happy owners of some beautiful original work as a result.  They helped a very worthwhile cause, along with everyone else that night, and contributed to raising an amazing $15,542!


On Thursday, April 7, the second installment opens at Arc Gallery as Rise Japan Vol. 2.  With the larger exhibition space at Arc, this night promises to have an even greater selection of work.  If you are in the area I encourage you to swing by at 7 pm for the opening.

My contribution, "Ganbatte! / ガンバッテ," 9 in. x 12 in.

For Vol. 2, I contributed a piece that I hope will sell and add to the growing sum to be donated.  I trust the organizers that donations will be put to good use in the ongoing difficulties that the Japanese people are facing.  Because my work has so long been inspired by Japanese culture, these events have preoccupied my mind for weeks.  Especially the fact that when applying for the JET Program for the 2010 season I was requesting to be in Sendai.

Update: The opening reception was a big success, with artwork practically flying off the walls.  Check out more photos from the opening in the slideshow above or see the whole album here.  More great photos are up in Ben Needham's Facebook album.


Press Start and Get Ready for Game Over 4

This post would have gone out last week, but it just didn't feel right to be putting it out while the tragedy in Japan was unfolding.  Not sure that the time is right even now, but here it is anyway lest it become completely outdated.




Photo by Giant Robot SF [link]

To coincide with GDC this year, Giant Robot S.F. opened it's fourth annual game inspired art show to a huge crowd.  Getting into and through Game Over 4 during the opening reception was not for the faint of heart.  Outside GR-SF the masses blocked entry and passage to the point of having to be broken up by local police.  Inside the small gallery space, the line was at a standstill.  In retrospect, I should have timed how long it took me to get through just for fun.

The video game inspired art spans multiple mediums both traditional and digital, hung salon style with varying degrees of professionalism.  While some pieces were framed and displayed well, others were works on paper simply tacked up on the wall.  Not exactly what one might expect from a show garnering national media attention from the likes of Wired and Game Set Watch.

Logistical issues aside, the quality of artwork in Game Over 4 was a less mixed bag. With a huge roster of artists numbering 54 in total it's essentially impossible that every piece would appeal to every viewer.  Especially when it comes to the subject matter of video games, which in many cases touches on very personal experiences.  Each person who has played games will have those specific titles that are associated with certain fond memories.  The artwork that brings out those feelings and nostalgia will differ for each of us.

Since I can't tell what is going to pluck your nostalgic heart strings, allow me to get personal and look at some of what spoke to me as both a gamer and artist.  Don't forget to check out all the art after the jump.


Cats shooting lazors from their eyes, destroying a Mario Bros. mushroom is a win win situation.  Artist Jeni Yang put a lot of effort into this piece and her other contribution to the show.


Love the isometric take on FFVII by Jesse Fillingham.  The scruffy treatment given to cloud and the giant are a nice touch.  This somehow combines my memories of FFVII with other more old school experiences with isometric strat-RPGs.


Shibuya Girls Pop at Giant Robot S.F.

Kawaii makeover in progress, by Sugarpill Cosmetics.

The first visit to Giant Robot S.F. for me was marked with a multitude of girls dressed in kawaii fashion to the point of filling up the gallery space and making it nearly impossible to see the artwork that I came to view. While GR-SF does not boast a huge exhibition space, there was initially enough room for people to get around, but as the aforementioned demographic continually filtered in things got tight. Still, I was not to be deterred and managed to snap a shot of each piece in the exhibition for your viewing pleasure.

A Girl with Some Pink Hearts on Her Back, by Eimi.

As a long time fan of Kaikai Kiki and it's female artists such as Chiho Aoshima, Aya Takano, Akane Koide and others, I was excited to see an exhibition of work by female contemporary Japanese artists come stateside. The cute theme is the common thread between all works in Shibuya Girls Pop: Real Japanese Kawaii, which opened with a reception on Saturday, February 5. As it turns out, Sugarpill Cosmetics was doing free kawaii makeovers in the gallery space, hence the appropriately attired contingent.

Rabbit Girl, by Eimi.

The show represents twelve female artists all part of the Shibuya Girls Pop project, which initially started in Shibuya as a distribution of free post-cards to woman in the city in order to spread a positive message. Artists from the collective that are in the show include the following...
Nana Aoyama, Eimi, Sayaka Iwashimizu, Marrontic, Hiroshi Mori, NICO, Keiko Ogawa, Ra'yka, Shinjuko, Yuki Takahashi, Kayo Tamaishi, and TAMMY.
As a new Tokyo-based collective, Shibuya Girls Pop collaborated with Giant Robot to exhibit Real Japanese Kawaii for the first time in America. Yet in all honesty, none of the work blew me away. While a small number of pieces felt interesting, the show as a whole was not brilliant. The most interesting art pieces for me personally were those by Eimi, Kayo Tamaishi, and Yuki Takahashi. Both demonstrated technical skill, interesting use of color and good composition. The fact that the artists were not there in person certainly didn't help to drum up interest for the work itself either. As one person at the opening familair with GR put it, "it's just filler" until the next show goes up.

That Night, by Yuki Takahashi.

True or not, it is easy to dismiss this collection and blame whatever shortcoming on the organizers but I do want to be dilligent in acknowleding the collective itself. Kato Kazuhiro, director of Shibuya Girls Pop, has made available their concept in English. Expounding the cultural nuances of what kawaii means in Japan and how it has changed in other parts of the world it ultimately demonstrating the purpose of the project itself.

I Want to Ask You, by Kayo Tamaishi.

We already know the Japanese perpensity for all things kawaii. Kazuhiro touches on this point in saying that "in Japan (although there are many exceptions), there is a tendency that people's desire for 'Kawaii' does not change even after they become adults." In bringing illustrators together to produce kawaii art and then distributing it first in Japan and now abroad, the project hopes to demonstrate the true essence of the style as a lasting and universal form of expression which can appeal to a wide audience...
"Although it might be only a romantic, naive illusion, I think it would be great if I could show a universal 'Kawaii' that will not fade with the times or yield to media manipulation or labeling. I would like to propose 'Kawaii' that will survive even after the present global 'Kawaii bubble.'"
The exhibit at Giant Robot may not exactly live up to these ideals but, now that the fan-girls have left, you should go and judge for yourself. That is, assuming  the show is still up by the time this post goes live. If not, check out the full album below or more pics from the show up on GR's blog as an inadequate consolation prize.


Scott Hove's Cakeland


Last week the gang and I took a little trip down to Oakland.  In the middle of a questionable neighborhood on Shattuck there lies nonchalantly a wonderland made of cake.  In a corner building artist Scott Hove created Cakeland in the storefront and works out of a studio in the back.


Scott was kind enough to invite a group of us art enthusiasts into his space where we proceeded to ooh and aah over his sugary creations.  Only thing is, none of the cakes are edible!  They are made of synthetic materials that will last practically forever, not unlike the cakes available at Wal-Mart, but Hove's are works of art that have gained no small amount of recognition.


Said pieces were exhibited at La Luz de Jesus gallery in 2010, and written up on BoingBoing as well as in HiFructose Magazine, just to name a few.  I came across some of those photos online last year, though I can't recall where exactly, and was excited to get to see this work in person.  There is a tension between the inviting, sweet and frosted presentation and the canine maws, as embedded in some of the cakes, or other skeletal parts entombed in the installation.  It's a kid of lure-and-trap scenario.


This was also a prime opportunity for LOL placement, and I would like to thank Scott for generously indulging my request to snap some shots for The United States of LOL.  Last but not least, check out this album for some even better photos of the Cakeland expedition.


Junko Mizuno Signing at Kidrobot San Francisco


Somewhat sluggish after the long haul that was the previous day's Johnny Cupcakes outing, and not helped by the drizzly Thursday weather, Jeremyriad and I managed to get ourselves over to the Haight for some line-standing-in prior to Junko Mizuno's new toy release and signing.

We grabbed some decent grub at Asqew, and shuffled into 14th-or-so place behind some notably hip Asian kids who warded off the dog-on-a-rope folks' inquiries with "coffee enemas" as our reason for being there. The evening got more interesting as our excitement continued to build the closer we got to the front of the line and Junko Mizuno's table.


I was admittedly nervous at the prospect of finally meeting Junko, whose work I have been following for years with admiration, and came out early that day to make sure I could get my hands on one of the 25 limited edition prints.  As it turns out, it wasn't a print at all.  Instead, we were gifted a hand-drawn original of about four by four inches in size.  This was only the first of several generous gestures on her part, which continued into the night as she spent a significant amout of time drawing on blank toys for almost every person in line.  Kidrobot staff encouraged the practice, and as an artist I couldn't help but notice how uncomfortable Junko's accommodations seemed for such a long haul.

Photo by Jeremyriad.

Not wanting to prolong things too much, I chose to forgo getting a blank and was more than thrilled to get my Junkocat Chococat signed.  Still, I could not resist the photo-opp and gave Junko an LOL which she kindly showed off to the camera (for The United States Of LOL project).  Huge thanks to the Toy Maven for having the presence of mind to take some great pics while I was off in Junkoland.


As for the awesome toy of the night, I have to say that I like it the most of the four currently available Sanrio reinterpretations.  It seems to take more creative license in the way the character is appropriated into the artist's signature style than the others.  Although maybe I am just biased on this one.  Either way, that night was one of the most memorable I have had in San Francisco to date and thinking back to it still fills me with excitement.


For a more insightful post covering the Junkocat Chococat signing check out the one by Jeremyriad.  I can't claim to know nearly as much about the toy scene so my thoughts are less informed by knowledge of toys than by contemporary art and pop art.


The Dragatomi Monster Ball


This would mark my first visit outside the bay since moving here.  Our little excursion took us to Sacramento for a visit to Dragatomi and the Monster Party kaiju show, featuring the work of Mark Nagata, Gatchabert, DLux and LilJapan.


Loved the Dragatomi store.  Not only do they have a great layout and selection, but the proprietors are super nice folks.  If you're ever in Sacramento, this is undoubtedly a mandatory stop.


While everyone at the show was a pleasure to visit with I especially enjoyed chatting with Mark Nagata.  I look forward to revisiting the subject of Japanized youth-culture in America as a result of Japanese media consumption, being something that I may have a slight obsession with.  Mark and Jeremy Dale were even kind enough to indulge my new experimental endeavor.


On the way out we swung by Rick's Dessert Diner and feasted with our eyes on the incredible selection of sugary delights.  In reality I managed to be good and only have half a piece of white chocolate brownie.  It was delicious.  If you have a sweet tooth and find yourself in the California capitol I highly recommend it.


An Invitation From The United States Of LOL


Hey you. Yeah, YOU! You want some free money? Then read on my greedy friend, read on. For the experimental little project that was inspired by little more than a sure-why-not from a couple of years ago at Anime Expo in LA has just launched. Back then I was contacted by a fellow anime art fan and con-goer about printing and giving out some ONE LOL bills. The photos that came back sparked an idea, and now that idea is finally taking off. Here's how it works...
The United States Of LOL is distributing free currency which you can download and print yourself. Photographs of you with said currency, or any placement thereof, may be chosen for publication on this site should you choose to submit them.
You are hereby invited to participate.  Print out some LOL bills, get creative, take some pics and send them in.  Print some fake money, get internet famous.  What's not to love?  Head on over to The United States States Of LOL for details and to download the goods.


The Loaded Currency of Scott Campbell


Making art using the iconic image of the US $1 dollar bill is something that has obviously interested me for some time now.  Appropriating this design automatically makes a statement about the country, consumer culture, and many other themes which can be highlighted depending on what you do with the image.


While I have made a piece of art based on the dollar, artist Scott Campbell has created an entire series of work made out of actual dollar bills.  These pieces are superbly crafted and contain powerful imagery, much of it religious.  Check out more of Campbell's work over at Monster Casserole and draw your own conclusions.


The Love Movement Amazing!


The long anticipated LOVE MOVEMENT finally opened on Saturday, November 11 to a full house of San Francisco's overs of art, toys, and all things kawaii.  Under the guiding hand of one Jeremyriad, the exhibition came to together beautifully to celebrate a theme of love at New People's Superfrog Gallery.


An all-star cast of Japanese, European, and American artists customized T-BOY and Dankeschoen bear toys under the guiding principle of love.  Interpretations ranged from the literal, happy, or joyful to more contemplative, somber, or even dramatic.


Not only were the numerous customs on display for which the show was intended but walls also showcased many 2D pieces, which I was not expecting.  My favorite of these were paintings by Yu TiharaSatoshi Yoshioka and Yucachin (pictured above, from left to right).


One of the highlights of the evening, however, was a live beatboxing performance by Kazuo "Kaz" Saito.  Check out the video I took of his first song of the evening.  Later on Kaz is joined by violinist Nanaco for a beatbox-violin combo.  Yeah, that's right.  Not your typical night to be sure.  I love this city.


Twisting Tales with Aki Marlow

While still living in North Carolina, and as a result of my work with Aniwave, I had the pleasure of meeting the talented artist and mangaka Aki Marlow.  It continues to amaze me how those who gravitate towards otaku sub-culture in this country develop the skills to emulate this medium at a continually younger age.  At the time, Aki was posting her work on DeviantArt and it quickly caught my eye.

Her drawing shows a level of skill that many do not develop until well into their undergraduate studies in illustration, or later.  This is especially evident in her upcoming manga TWISTED, which I am excited to bring you a short preview of here.  These initial pages prompted a conversation between Aki and I in which she shares some details about the project and her inspiration behind it.  Read the full interview after the jump.


Michal Wisniowski: I know that you've had the idea for TWISTED in your head for quite some time. Can you tell me a little bit about the background for this story? What inspired it and why you started to feel like this should be the one to make real?

Aki Marlow: Originally it was supposed to be a collaboration between myself and a few friends but it sort of got dropped before any story was developed. I thought about it more and more by myself and was inspired by a lot of music. Panic at the Disco's album A Fever You Can't Sweat Out was a major influence at the time. It's also a modern and basically realistic story.  So when I heard or saw something that stuck out to me in the real world or on the news I would add it right in. Eventually it kind of snowballed into this nicely developed storyline with interesting twists and characters, so I decided to go ahead and make it happen.


Artists 2 Love

Camille Rose Garcia [link]

Kozyndan [link]

Four more artists after the jump.  Watch out for the NSFW and enjoy... 


The Almighty Dunny Show



Right before Thanksgiving I sent my newly painted 3 inch Dunny to New York for The Almighty Dunny Show.  Curated by Genuine Artikle and hosted at Halcyon in Dumbo Brooklyn, the exhibition opens on December 11th and features a large roster of some familiar names...
Abe Lincoln Jr, Cope 2, D-LuX, Mishka NYC, Patricio Oliver, Task One dust, Jay222, Nerviswr3k, Nemo, Sneaky Raccoon, Igor Ventura, Leecifer, Tyler Coey, Suckadelic, Damarak the Destroyer, Viseone, Sinned, Droppixel, Osiris Orion, James Fuller, Jon Paul Kaiser, Sergio Mancini, Bryan Collins, Bishop 203, Chelsea Bloxsom, Ahh'd Art, Spanky Stokes, Tenacious Toys, Frank Mysterio, Brian Colins, Rampage Toys, Miss Kika, Nasty Neil, Albert Art, Trevor Zammit, FOOX Okkle, Royce Bannon, Phetus, Mr DEN, ZAM, Ian Ziobrowski, James Yeah?, valleydweller, Uncle, Matt A, Resin, Chris Rabb, Blake West, Christian Cabuay, Chamarro, Squidkidsink, FAS, Taz, Evilos, Tom Freak, Allison Revilla, Paul Duran, Ardabus Rubber, Hellsing Chaos, Jonathanway$hak, Pretty Poopie, Owen Dewitt, Paddy Leung, We Kill You, Adam Lee, Ashley Hay, Aaron Jasinski, Michal Wisniowski, Ego, Valerie G, Moody, SNO, The Chief Rocka, Lana Crooked, Matucha Studio, Danicus Prime, Dave Rapoza, Juan Franco, Jennipho, Adam Miller, Perry J Osman, Taek, Alone One, Troy Stith, The Flighty Ellz, DESN, Mr. Walters, Cozy Robot, Chrisosaur, Nikejerk, and MANY more!
Some of these great artists I have had the pleasure of meeting personally, or at least becoming more familiar with their work through social media.  Names in bold are some of those whose twitter conversations I'm stalking with the occasional participatory remark.


Chances are that my humble contribution will be heavily overshadowed by such a strong group.  Nevertheless, it's a good opportunity to get in another show.  One of only three this year for me given the big East/West Coast switcheroo.


An Intro to Bay Area Art Scene[ery]

Collage art at the Oakland Organic Food Fair.

Three months in the bay is a short time, yet it feels like I have been here twice as long at least.  In those three months I have been fortunate enough to experience some really great artwork both in the city and the East Bay. During the first weekend here I got a little glimpse of some great pieces at a gallery in Oakland's river-walk area (pictured above).


A few weeks later, after a fun day with new artist-friends at Alternative Press Expo, we were going trough the Mission admiring all the great street art in those awesome alleyways. Towards the end of our little trek we finally found the Banksy we were looking for!

Jeremiah Ketner and I at Gallery 1988 S.F.

By the time November rolled in, its first weekend brought with it a fantastic exhibition at Gallery 1988 in San Francisco. Featuring the works of Jeremiah Ketner, Yosuke Ueno, and Ewelina Ferruso, the opening brought a lot of us out to admire the paintings and mingle with SmallandRound.


Concurrent exhibits of collaborative work between Glen E. Friedman and Shepard Fairey as Fuck You All, as well as one called Bad Dads: A Tribute To The Films Of Wes Andersen, made for an interesting detour in a two-or-so block radius.

Yosiell Lorenzo and I at Bad Dads.

After the show the lot of us shuffled on over to Tommy's Joint and then topped it all off with late night donuts! Yeah, us old folks party hard. Which is also why we've been dubbed Toy Pimps by toy-maven Jeremyriad.

Image via Jeremyriad.