Posted in: Film Promo, Movies, Recent Updates | Tagged: Gallery1988, star wars, Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Art Awakens: Where Star Wars And Art Meet Charity

Published Tue, 17 Nov 2015 08:15:36 -0600

One of the many great things about living in the Los Angeles area is that I am able to attend events that most people only read about or see pictures of on the internet. One such event took place this past weekend, November 14 and 15, at Gallery1988 (G1988). G1988, most famous for having amazing pop culture art exhibits, starting this Friday, November 20, there most famous exhibit, Crazy4Cult takes place for the ninth time. This time however, G1988 held something so big they couldn't do it on their own. Working in conjunction with The Walt Disney Company, Lucas Films and Bad Robot, in preparation for the little known, soon to be release art film Star Wars: The Force Awakens, they held the exhibit entitled – Art Awakens. In addition to being an awesome event of pop culture nerdery, the money raised from the sale of the will go to a good cause, UNICEF Kid Power, a new program that gets kids active and helps provide healthy food to malnourished kids around the world in the name of Star Wars: Force for Change and UNICEF

Most pop culture related exhibits that G1988 put on last a few weeks, however this amazing exhibit was only in place for the two days, and almost 100 pieces of artwork were on display celebrating the Star Wars film series and the upcoming release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Most of the artwork displayed were one of kind original pieces that became available for purchase by auction on eBay, Friday, November 13, with some screen prints also available through the Buy It Now option as well. Additionally, seven prints were sold exclusively at G1988 for in store purchase only (I got two). Don't worry if you have some money burning a hole in your pocket and have wall space that is crying out to be filled, the original pieces will be up for auction on eBay until November 23, and prints of select originals will be available for purchase on eBay until December 12.

I have been to G1988 several times, but this was by far the busiest I have ever seen the place. Of course I have never attended an opening night at G1988, which often has people sleeping in front the night before to have first crack at the amazing, and often valuable and quickly flipped art, that appears on their gallery walls. I had already been on eBay and saw most of the pieces, but that was nothing compared to seeing them in person. G1988 did a great job setting the room up so each piece was able to stand out and not have any piece get overlooked just due to the sheer number of pieces on display.

Here are a few of my favorite pieces that I was lucky enough to see in person, and if you happen to agree then you should head over to eBay and buy something for yourself, or since the holidays are coming up get something for a loved one. And remember, you can drop a lot of cash and not feel bad because it is supporting charity.

Artist Dave Perillo and his Ewok piece.

This piece from Rob Prior was amazing. Everything about the original was grand. Don't know how it will translate to the much smaller print version they also have available on eBay, but I imagine they will still be nice to have.

When I heard Josh Keyes did a piece for this show I could not believe it. It seems I am not the only one, as the print was the first one to sell out on eBay. You can still get the original though, as I type this the auction is at over $3,600.

I am always amazed at Scott C's use of his canvas, and this piece is no exception.

I just thought this piece of Rey using BB8 as bowling ball, by Kiersten Essenpreis, was adorable.

I am always a fan of Joey Spiotto's work, and got this piece to go with at 6 others I already have. He currently has a show going on at G1988 East, which is just down the street from where this show took place.

This one was amazing. The work Mike Shinoda did on the full size Stormtrooper was as if a tattoo artist just went to town and was able to do whatever Star Wars related they wanted. Sadly, it's out of my price range.

I have always been a fan of Alex Pardee's work, and this one was no exception. His work on the Wampa makes it look just like it did in my nightmares after I saw Empire Strikes Back for the first time.

There weren't so many Star Wars: The Force Awakens pieces at the show, but this one by Dan Mumford was my favorite representing the new movie.

Lastly, this 3D piece by Brad Hill was one of the coolest things at the show. It was definitely my kid's favorite, and also the one I was most worried that they would touch, well other than knocking over the Stormtrooper.

For further musings from Joshua Stone you can follow him @1Nerdyone

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