Vintage Futurism

Kofie One is having an opening reception of his exhibit entitled ‘Vintage Futurism’ which will showcase his latest works on paper, wood, and canvas. His paintings are very symmetrical and there’s a fluidity in the way he makes something as simple as a line come alive. Very delicate and skillful in his attention to detail. By looking at what he’s done in the past, you can only expect something amazing for this show. I love the live-painting he did of the late GREAT Issac Hayes at the 28th Annual Sunset Junction Street Festival in Silverlake, CA.

And now, some more of his works to get you anxious about going to the show:

on wood. 42 x 42 in.

Acrylic on wood panel.

Sold to the thought of attending yet? I can post tons of pictures all day of everything he’s done, but I’ll leave it up to you to find your way to his exhibit.

Where?
Zero One Gallery
530 South Hewitt Street
Barker Block- Suite 141
Los Angeles, CA 90013

When?
Opening Reception: Saturday, February 28th @ 7PM-10PM
Showing until March 29th

–dinoxsketchpad

Hype Wins

I expected the hype to build around the KAWS show last Saturday, but to be a victim of the chaos was devastating, to say the least. I’ve always found joy in art exhibits — being around the artworks and meeting the creator behind the genius. As you’ve seen throughout last year, attending shows have been one of the main reasons why this blog even existed. With that said, I’m a bit disappointed at how things turned out with the KAWS event. Because the crowd was so huge and there were some commotion going on near the front of the line, my anxiousness took a mighty blow. They shut the gallery down and many people left in disgust at how things transpired. The people who were just there for the hype ruined it for those who actually appreciate the art. But I try not to be bitter and negative about everything because I did manage to meet some cool people along the way. Plus, the show goes on until April 4th, so there’s always next time.

He didn’t get in either but he came away with a cool flyer. I nearly pulled a jack-move, and would’ve, if he wasn’t so awesome.

Then we ran into some great guys who are Sunny Jackson — a Hip-Hop collaborative. I had the chance to check their music out and it’s really good stuff. They will be performing live at the Blue Cafe out here in Long Beach on March 14th. Definitely worth checking out.

All was not lost. We did manage to hop into the nearby galleries and looked around, as you can see. Afterwards, we headed to Fuddrucker’s for dinner and decided on some future plans and releases. I’ll keep you posted.

Oh and I got all this food for under $2 earlier from Arby’s and Jack in the Box. I would’ve taken advantage of the FREE short-stack @ IHOP also, but that’s just way too many carbs for one day. Funny, the guys who worked at Arby’s didn’t even know anything about the deal and didn’t scan the coupons in, so you know what that means? I can probably get a free roast-beef burger there for as long as it takes before they catch on. Not that I’m condoning that kind of practice or anything…

Thanks to Kuizzy for the heads-up on all the free food deals for the day. What’s next? Free Big-Macs and Starbucks? I sure hope so.

–dinoxsketchpad

Hype Hustle Rip-Off

If you’re going to be in attendance at the KAWS show, you’re in store for more of a fun-filled night. Just a walk away from the Honor Fraser, another great show is happening the same night. Bill McMullen will present the ‘Hype Hustle Rip Off’ exhibit at The Constant Gallery.

Believe me, this show is going to be amazing on its own rights. Bill’s done some amazing work throughout his career — from working with the Beastie Boys to DMX to creating one of the coolest collectors’ item ever in the AD-AT Walker. Two great shows. One night. And it doesn’t have you sitting on your lazy behind in front of a television set.

Where?
The Constant Gallery
2673 S. La Cienega
Los Angeles, CA 90034

When?
Opening Reception: Saturday, February 21, 2009 @ 6PM-8PM
Show runs through March 28, 2009

–dinoxsketchpad

The Big Tease

As the weekend is coming quick, I’m getting more anxious for KAWS’ ‘The Long Way Home’ exhibit opening this Saturday in Los Angeles. It’s really a big deal as so many people are projected to be in attendance and, as you already know, he’s got the Midas touch and can cause quite a riot in everything he involves himself in. Here’s the latest previews of what can be expected from the show. Obviously, the paintings which takes on iconic pop-culture references are expected and we’re going to see the life-sized Chum character present.

This is a reminder so no one forgets. Not something you should miss, but if you do, you can rest assure that the gallery in itself will be on display until April 4th. I might even go a couple of times to take it all in myself because I doubt I’d be able to take all the pictures I want with all the hooplah going on during the opening reception.

Once again, just an FYI…

Where?
Honor Fraser Gallery
2622 S. La Cienega Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90034
310.837.0191

When?
Opening Reception: Saturday, February 21, 2009 @ 6PM-8PM
Show runs through April 4, 2009

–dinoxsketchpad

Get MUNNY!

I love KidRobot! These Munnys are addicting and they’ve become so big, there was even a whole art-exhibit consisting of nothing but Munnys.

 

 

–dinoxsketchpad

The Cult Of Toys

After enjoying the All-Star spectacle, we ventured out to the East Village District of Long Beach to check out Jeff Claassen’s ‘Lovesick’ exhibit at Alpha Cult. We also spent a small amount of time carrousing through the ArtWalk and I had to make the stop for another Chi-Town Hot Dog. Unfortunately, the vendor won’t be around next month’s event because he will be heading out to Chicago.

Aaron Kraten contributed a few wonderful pieces for the event also. I remember seeing his works at the shop on a few other occasions. Great stuff!

–dinoxsketchpad

…Do You Want Me To SLAM It?…

So Saturday came and as I’ve mentioned before, we had a baby-shower at my house. I was trying my best to enjoy the NBA All-Star event which totally failed. The house was packed by six-o’-clock and there were kids running rampant all over the place. Women with their ‘ooohs‘ and ‘awwws‘ with all the other babies present. I called some friends up and we ditched the party to a Round Table Pizza closeby to watch what was left of the contests (3-Point Shootout and, of course, the Slam Dunk Contest). Kinda left me disappointed. Nate Robinson did his thing and entertained the crowd but I was expecting something mind-blowing from Dwight Howard. He flipped everyone out of their seats last year with so many theatrical dunks that I was expecting something better this go-around. Didn’t happen. Although he showed the world his crazy elevation with the 12-ft. dunk.

All I know was that when Nate came out with the ‘kryptonite’ green…

This was all I saw…

What a beautiful shoe. For the first time in a very long time, I was staring at everyone’s feet during the whole event — the game included — wondering what everyone was wearing and scouring through pictures upon pictures for a better look. Only now, it’s much easier since I can just google everything, whereas years ago, I had to wait for the next issue of SLAM Magazine.

–dinoxsketchpad

Lovesick!

Another great show being held on Saturday is Jeff Claassen’s ‘Lovesick’ opening at Alpha Cult. Jeff’s work is a beautiful blend of mixed media elements and styles: illustration over a graffiti edge. Thematically, he explores just about everything, and his design aesthetic always seems to match so perfectly. His characters are whimsical, and fantastically framed by his use of bold color blends and stencil art. But the “cuteness” comes tongue-in-cheek; as there is almost always a note of sadness, confusion, or unrequited love which makes the work so alluring.

These are just a few teaser pictures of what you can expect from the show. If you’d like to see more ‘behind-the-scenes’ look of how everything was put together, check out Jeff’s Flickr.

Where?
Alpha Cult
408 E 1st St Ste. #102
Long Beach, CA 90802

When?
Opening Reception: Saturday, February 14, 2009 @ 6-10PM

–dinoxsketchpad

Movers & Shakers

Sorry for the lack of updates. I’ve been occupied in a million different things and haven’t really been online long enough to do anything except checking E-Mail. This is a bit of a late notice also, but if anyone is looking for something awesome to do this weekend, there’s a show entitled ‘Movers & Shakers’ in Chinatown which will include many great artists, including one of my favorites: Alex Pardee. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to attend. I am going to be at a baby-shower instead. What’s even better is that the shower is held at my house, so I doubt I can watch the NBA All-Star ceremonies either. Don’t you just envy me?

Where?
POV Evolving Gallery & Print Studio
939 Chung King Rd
Los Angeles, CA 90012

When?
Opening Reception: Saturday, February 14, 2009 @ 7-11PM

I was looking for a good baby-shower gift the other day and I couldn’t think of anything as special as these:

I don’t think there’s anything more memorable than owning your first pair of Jordans. Of course, I didn’t get my first pair until I was about 14. I remember working my butt off to earn the money for them too. I was one of those kids putting flyers on cars in the unforgiving heat all summer long for $5.75/hr…whatever it took to get my hands on some Jordans. A lot of kids these days have it a lot easier, and that’s why I don’t think they have a full appreciation for things. But that’s another story.

–dinoxsketchpad

Meat & Greet

I found this experiment intriguing because it shows how easy it is for us to take things for granted. Sure, it’s just a hamburger here, but I kinda saw things in a million different perspective as I was watching this. Watch the whole video.

Aside from the food, what I saw were how beautiful this human race really is. Take away the language barriers, the different skin-tones, and religious practices, and we can learn to appreciate how wonderful of a creation we all are. Not trying to get all preachy, but just seeing people in rural lands who don’t have many, if any, of the conveniences we have — no TV, no Internet, no Blackberries, no IPhones, no McDonald’s FRIES! — but they are genuinely happy makes you realize what the more important things in life really are. Of course it’s easy to lose that train of thought as we’re always busy being busy and worrying about everything and nothing at the same time. But enough of being a chatter-bug, I just think that people who live within their necessary means seem to be happier than those who cling to their pursuit of a never-ending financial stability (because once you make the money you wanted to at first, you always want more).
Now with that schpeel out of the way, it’s funny seeing their reactions to a burger and not even knowing how to handle it. But I can’t judge them. My friends all know how I eat a Big Mac — and I admit it’s an unusual habit.
This has got to be the most genius fast-food campaign I’ve ever seen, so much kudos to Burger King.

–dinoxsketchpad