Shepard and Steven square off on The Colbert Report
By now you’ve all come across Shepard Fairey’s iconic Obama posters/stickers somewhere. Chances are you probably even have one or the other. But even with all that free publicity people have given Shepard on their car bumpers and neighborhood windows, he’s been in the public’s eye more than ever lately. With an appearance on last Thursday’s The Colbert Report on Comedy Central, Time Magazine’s Person of the Year cover, as well as the Manifest Hope: DC Gallery having just completed it’s limited weekend run leading up to Tuesday’s Inauguration, Shepard Fairey is literally everywhere. Of course Shepard has been around for a while now, putting up his work all over the streets and galleries of the world. But, have you ever seen another street artist enjoy this much success off of one singular piece? And in such little time? In just over a year, Shepard has gone from being the dude responsible for the Andre the Giant Has a Posse stickers/pastings to the guy who helped make a senator from Illinois into an instant icon. And that is truly some amazing Progress.
Can you believe it’s almost here? The first official day of work for President Obama is the first day without President Bush Jr. as our (alleged) leader. Tuesday will most definitely be a day to celebrate. And since every good party needs some tasty treats for the party goers, Krispy Kreme and Ben & Jerry’s have stepped up and elected themselves the official sugar sponsors of Inauguration Day. Our new inspired era begins with a new President and some newly inspired pounds. God bless America!
Krispy Kreme will be offering one free doughnut of choice to every customer who walks through their doors on Tuesday, January 20th. No purchase necessary but you’ll probably buy another glazed anyway (think about the economy not your waist size). Check the store locator to find a location near you.
Ben & Jerry’s do their part with their latest inspirational blend, Yes Pecan! which features “amber waves of buttery ice cream with roasted non-partisan pecans”. Although this frozen promo isn’t free, for every purchase of Yes Pecan! from Ben & Jerry’s shops in the month of January Ben and/or Jerry will donate the proceeds to the Common Cause Education Fund. Find a store near you here.
Besides being the best comic book shop in LA, the secret servicemen and women of Secret Headquarters continue to provide Angelinos with solid art shows and events at their Silver Lake shop. Tonight at 7pm they host a release party for pulp author Charlie Huston’s latest novel, The Mystic Arts of Erasing All Signs of Death. Here’s more info in their own secret language:
“A veeery brief reading from the tome. Followed by traditional stupid trivia and prizes. All preceded by cheap beer and good bourbon whiskey. The combination of which improves greatly the entertainment value of the reading and trivia.
Also: How do you get drunker after you’re kicked out of Secret Headquarters at 8pm? Simple, you go across the street to 4100 Bar.
For those of you who have not come down to one of our nights with Charlie Huston - do not blow it this time. One of SHQ’s favorite events. Do not miss out on hot prizes distributed by Mr. Huston.”
The Wild Things look amazingly accurate to the book and I truly believe this film can soon become one of my all-time favorites as well. I just hope that Warner Bros. stops getting in the way of Spike’s vision and mucking it up for the rest of us.
Lot’s of good works being shown at art openings around LA this Friday and Saturday as well as one majorly massive show in DC. Here’s a quick reference guide for this weekends’ offerings:
Renowned hip-hop and graffiti photographer Martha Cooper brings her latest photos of New York’s kids to Los Angeles with her show entitled Street Shots.
Subliminal Projects
Opening reception:
Friday, January 16th
8-11pm
1331 W. Sunset Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90026
Exhibition dates:
January 16th-February 13th, 2009
Leading up to Tuesday’s Presidential Inauguration, Shepard Fairey and over 100 artists arrive in the Nation’s Capitol for Manifest Hope:DC.
Manifest Hope Gallery
January 17th-19th, 2009
10:00am-6:00pm
3333 M Street NW, Washington DC 20007
Aaron Rose’s first solo show since the opening of New York’s Alleged Gallery in 1992, Born To Cry features paintings on functional objects. (surprise musical guests and free giveaways too!)
Hope Gallery
Opening reception:
Saturday, January 17th
8-10pm
1547 Echo Park Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90026
Exhibition dates:
January 17th-February 11th, 2009
Cleon Peterson puts his latest brutally sadistic paintings on display in his show, The Occupation. Also featuring P.A.M. in the project room with Hot Yoghurt.
New Image Art
Opening reception:
Saturday, January 17th
7-10pm
7908 Santa Monica Blvd. W. Hollywood, CA 90046
Exhibition dates:
January 17th-February 14th, 2009
Comic book artist Rob Sato mixes “humor, mayhem, sadness, horror, adventure, heavy metal, science fiction, history, pastoral beauty, questionable behavior, and true love” in his show called Dirty Paper Machines.
GR2 (Giant Robot)
Opening reception:
Saturday, January 17tth
6:30 -10:00
2062 Sawtelle Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90025
Exhibition dates:
January 17-February 11, 2009
Studio Morke‘ hosts the official film screening of “Voyage de Temps”, a live musical performance by Restavrant, as well as a collaborative shooting photo exhibit.
Studio Morke’
Opening reception:
Saturday, January 17th
8pm-12am
1026 S Santa Fe
Los Angeles, CA 90021
Today’s post revisits a couple of older entries as the Presidential DJ Z-Trip and the boys of N.A.S.A. have each just released some new tracks for your ears’ entertainment.
World class curator, Beautiful Losers filmmaker, sad musician of The Sads, Aaron Rose wears many hats, literally. This Saturday January 17th, Aaron dons his painter’s sombrero for his first solo show in Los Angeles at Echo Park’s Hope Gallery. With the gallery’s walls lined with painted guitars, suitcases, and household furnitures, Rose’sBorn To Cry promises to be a uniquely interesting exhibition. Come cry with delight at the opening reception from 7-10pm with a surprise musical performance as well as free giveaways for the collector in you, or cry later as the show continues through February 11th.
I still don’t have my laptop back. I’m still upset with Apple and their so called “Applecare”. And it’s still looking grim for a fast and speedy (as well as free to inexpensive) recovery for my little electronic guy. Although what I still do enjoy are computers and what I see on them. Take a gander for yourself:
The organism evolution of computers/robots as seen by Germans:
The sexual revolution of computers/robots as seen by Americans:
One of the pieces I’ve been pulling inspiration from lately (and for no other reason than today being January 12th), here’s the funkiest song and animation about a number you’ll ever hear from the funkiest time of our childhood, Sesame Street’s “12″.
Here’s a bit more info for those who enjoy information:
Performed by The Pointer Sisters (Pointer Sisters?! I never knew til just now!). Pinball Number Count was originally produced in 1972 by Imagination, Inc. in San Francisco, California for the Children’s Television Workshop. Animation for the segments was directed by Jeff Hale and recalls contemporary psychedelic and pop art styles, typified by the ornate pinball bumpers, colorful geometrical motifs and whimsical themes and devices inside the machine. It made its debut on Sesame Street in 1976.
It’s funny that I just found this interview of Aaron cause I’m supposed to be editing the Corita Kent short we’re working on. But he left the edit bay a few hours ago and when the cats away the mice will blog. Actually I deserve a break anyway and I need to keep this site up to date with good things for you. So aside from the fact that Rose talks about Beautiful Losers in the interview and never once shouts me out, he does drop some interesting personal tidbits about his relationships with the artists in the film (Harmony Korine specifically), “selling out”, and his beloved band The Sads. The interview also features clips from our film as well as a perfectly timed impromptu one girl kazoo jam session. Deep danish Rose-o, deep danish.
P.S.-For art fiends and friends in the L.A. area, the opening for Aaron’s solo art show will be next Saturday January 17th at Hope Gallery in Echo Park. Save the date, mark your calendars, or tie a string around your finger. More info to come next week!
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