“KAROUSHI” Grody Shogun and Velocitron opens this Friday!
Opening: Friday February 3th, 7-11 pm
Feb. 3rd – Feb. 24th 2012
TAG | Toy Art Gallery
7571 Melrose Ave.
Hollywood, Los Angeles, CA 90046 U.S.
Toy Art Gallery is proud to present “Karoushi”, featuring the works of Grody Shogun and Velocitron! “Karoushi” is the Japanese concept of death by overwork. Working simultaneously as brand, producer and retailer, the two masterminds of the Japanese soft vinyl producing powerhouse The Fort have banded together to unleash a gallery show of epic proportions. Multiple editions, one-offs and collaborative pieces are just the beginning of what these two have crafted for this event. Grody Shogun and Velocitron hope that attendees to the gallery show can get a taste of just what two people can accomplish when they decide that their own health, sanity and overall well-being rank far below achieving their dreams of revolutionizing the Japanese vinyl world.
Grody Shogun (Luke Rook) began in 2011 but has taken the Japanese vinyl world by storm. Built around the core philosophy that toys are meant to be enjoyed and played with, GS prides himself on creating “playable” figures that are offered at extremely reasonable price points. GS figures have a strong following both in Japan and internationally, often selling out within minutes of being offered.
Velocitron (Ricky Wilson) began producing figures in Japanese vinyl in 2008, starting with only his own designs and soon starting to produce figures from a diverse group of international artists and designers. His designs are influenced by post apocalyptic imagery, classic horror manga and heavy metal album covers.
“KAROUSHI” opens Friday, Feb. 3rd and runs through Feb. 24th. There will be an opening reception from 7-11 PM on Feb. 3rd, where Luke and Ricky will be virtually broadcasting from The Fort in Japan to paint their toys live. Join us at Toy Art Gallery’s new showroom located at 7571 Melrose Ave. Hollywood CA 90046.
WHAM BLAM BLAMO Preview now available!
We’re very excited for tomorrow night’s opening of “WHAM BLAM BLAMO”, our second show with Blamo Toys!
There are tons of amazing hand-crafted sculpture and toys that need to be seen in person, so if you’re in the area of 7571 Melrose Ave. make sure to come on by and say HI to the Blamo crew! Opening starts at 7 PM and runs til 11.
If you just can’t wait, the preview for “WHAM BLAM BLAMO” is now online. Check it out here:
WHAM BLAM BLAMO Preview
Artwork from “WHAM BLAM BLAMO” will go for sale on our website starting Saturday, Jan. 7th at 12 noon PST.
Click HERE to make a purchase!
We’re Now Carrying Jewelry by Tlakuilo Kalli!
These necklaces are sculpted by Oscar Ayotzintli and handmade in gorgeous white metal.
Each comes on a chain and packaged in bags for $25. A perfect gift idea for skull lovers and toy collectors.
TAG Spotlight: Alien Argus and Waotoyz!
It’s time for another Toy Art Gallery product spotlight! First up we have the newest Alien Argus edition designed by Mark Nagata and produced by Toy Art Gallery. Inspired by poisonous Amazonian tree frogs, this Argus has it all with glow in the dark Japanese soft vinyl with fluorescent red, green and yellow spray and extra black and purple detailing! Unlike his namesake, he’s safe to touch (or lick). As a special bonus, we also have two BLANK editions of Argus at a special low price. Both GLOW and RED Arguses (Argi?) are ready to be customized, or, if you prefer, left blank to enjoy the sculpt. All are available now!
The next toy we wanted to share is the funky O.G. Kaiju Waodog from Waotoyz! Designed by Swiss creator Waotoyz and produced in Japan by Lulubell Toys, this crazy canine is available in TWO TAG exclusive colorways, “Mr. Gold” and “Mr. Pink Panther”. Each features awesome soft vinyl techniques (hyper lamé and clear pink!) and truly unique sculpting and paint applications. We love this doggy here at TAG and we hope you will too. Check them out here!
We also have a very limited amount of Bellicose Bunnies from our recent Nathan Hamill signing (check out the photos on our facebook!). All are signed and sketched, so don’t snooze if you’ve had your eye on one. Grab one here!
Nathan Hamill’s Bellicose Bunny Release and Signing this Friday!
The Bunny takes flight! Come out to Toy Art Gallery’s new showroom on Melrose Ave. and celebrate the release of the new vinyl by 3DRetro x Nathan Hamill, Bellicose Bunny!
It is limited to 200 pieces and will retail for $50. Bellicose prints and T-shirts will be for sale as well.
DJ Mike Turski will be spinning a fine blend of space-themed garage, punk and psychobilly for your listening pleasure.
For those of you, who haven’t heard the tale, the story is as such…
“Forged by the stars and space alike, and stuff and things, the Bellicose Bunny was enlisted by top minds throughout the universe to seek out, thwart and destroy all known evil. Equipped with a pair of space goggles and the Sword of Ulyssia, he mounted his Daucus: Class 8 Rocket and embarked on his quest. Now he’s reached this galaxy and needs our help in his noble mission. Hear his cry for peace: ‘Starbunny Fields Forever!”
The Bellicose Bunny Launch Party and Signing will be held on Friday, September 30th from 7-11 PM at TAG’s new showroom located at 7571 Melrose Ave. See you there!
“Brain Evolution” and TAG Opening Night Pictures!
We just wanted to take a minute and thank EVERYONE who came out to the “Brain Evolution” and Toy Art Gallery Grand Opening last Friday night! We had an insane week setting up the new space and it was really satisfying seeing it finished and watching people enjoy themselves.
Keep an eye on the store this weekend as we finish adding “Brain Evolution” customs and a huge smorgasbord of new products and exclusives, including a few very hot vinyl figures that managed to slip through the cracks.
Pictures by Frank Schaefer, thanks again Frank!
