Preview: Idiot Box 2 @ Gallery 1988 [LA]

Over 100 different visual artists from various disciplines pay tribute to their favorite television programs past and present

idiot box flyer
Way back in April of 2009, we published a post about about a TV-themed group exhibit called Idiot box that was being held at Los Angeles‘ premier pop-culture-centric art venue, Gallery 1988.  At the time, G1988 had already become a well established force in the industry, but I believe that it may have been the very first time that we had personally ever posted anything about them.  Since then, we’ve continued to watch them curate and host show after show at each of their 2 gallery spaces, with themes that vary from video games to very specific film and television franchises.  They’ve hosted endless solo exhibits, while also revisiting such concepts as their stand up comedy-themed show, Is This Thing On? and their infamous Crazy 4 Cult exhibit, with various annual installments.  The odd thing is that, for whatever reason, there has never been another Idiot Box show held at the gallery…. until now.

Opening tonight at their “West” location on Melrose, Idiot Box 2 picks up right where G1988 left off 6 years ago, with over 100 artists from various disciplines paying tribute to their favorite television programs past and present.  What I like so much about the Idiot Box platform is that, while the general theme being presented promises cohesion, it’s still a broad enough topic to keep things loose and encourage plenty of variety.  Although I still enjoy seeing the hyper-specific themes that are often presented at the numerous galleries that work with similar artists and in similar fields, when these exhibits become too specific, it can easily become a breeding ground for repetition.  What I mean is that, although it’s possible that tonight’s show could still yield 35 different pieces dedicated to David “Michael Knight” Hasselhoff, it is, statistically, very improbable, and what we’ve already seen so far is beyond encouraging.  With such mediums as sculpture, acrylics, water color, prints, plush works, and even Russian nesting dolls being represented, there should be enough here to both generate nostalgia and present attendees with something that they’ve never seen before.  This time, the theme is truly just a jumping off point, and the artists seem to really be stepping it up for this one, with enough of a focus to make it interesting, but plenty of freedom to go nuts.  From what we’ve seen, contributors are taking this opportunity to venture outside of the (idiot) box to pull off some great pieces.  And if even a fraction of the rest of the stuff that we’ve yet to see unveiled approaches the same territory, both creatively and in relation to the attention to detail, this should definitely be one to catch.  As always, if you’re in the area, go check this show out, because there is never any substitute to seeing the work up close in person.

Check out a selection of preview images for the exhibit below the following event details…

WHAT:

“IDIOT BOX 2”
artwork inspired by television

WHEN:

Opening:
Friday, May 1st, 2015

7pm-10pm

WHERE:

Gallery 1988 (West)
7308 Melrose Ave.
Los Angeles, Ca 90046

 

ADDITIONAL INFO:

Opening is ALL AGES w/NO COVER
Exhibit will be on view until May 16th.
The gallery is open from 11 – 6pm from Wednesday – Sunday.


[click images to enlarge]

julian calos bob's burgers
JULIAN CALLOS
“Bob Burger”
Mixed media sculpture
Approx. 5.5″ tall
Chet Phillips "Batcave" signed limited edition Giclee print run of 50
Chet Phillips
“Batcave”
signed limited edition Giclee print run of 50
Munk One
Munk One
Eric Tan 'Survivors' a 4-card set inspired by the TV show #Lost will be available at the #idiotbox show @galleries1988 (west) this Friday. Only 10 sets were made mainly because I burned the crap outta my fingers. It's the price I paid for leaving the safe confines of silkscreen prints. The set includes #johnlocke #jackshephard #kateausten and #sawyer
Eric Tan
“Survivors”
4-card set includes includes John Locke, Jack Shephard, Kate Austen, and Sawyer
Only 10 sets made
Stephen Andrade "The Watchers From Space" The original painting and a limited edition of prints will be up for sale, as well as a variant print edition.
Stephen Andrade
“The Watchers From Space”
Acrylic on Masonite 16″ x 24″
[Limited edition prints and variant print edition also avialable]
"Ziggy Says Fuck Tha Police" for Gallery 1988's "Idiot Box 2" TV themed group show watercolor on paper 10"x8"
Eugene Kaik
“Ziggy Says Fuck Tha Police”
watercolor on paper
10″x8″
Joebot "Arya And The Hound"
Joebot
“Arya And The Hound”
Ryan Milner Steve 'The Q' Urkel
Ryan Milner
“Steve ‘The Q’ Urkel”

 

 "Lucille Bluth" 11'x14" acrylic on velvet, mounted on board, framed
Bruce White
“Lucille Bluth”
11’x14″
acrylic on velvet, mounted on board, framed
Andy Stattmiller Batman Nesting Dolls
Andy Stattmiller
Batman Nesting Dolls
“Doctor Thackery’s Miraculous Cure-All” limited edition screenprint Print size: 12″ x 18″ Limited edition of 75 one-color screenprint on natural cover stock. Each print is hand signed & numbered. $40 each. First ten in the edition hand embellished for a weathered look done in ink wash, $50 each. First in the edition (#1) mounted to wood and sealed with resin, $350.
NC Winters
“Doctor Thackery’s Miraculous Cure-All”
limited edition screenprint
Print size: 12″ x 18″ Limited edition of 75 one-color screenprint on natural cover stock.
Each print is hand signed & numbered.
First ten in the edition hand embellished for a weathered look done in ink wash
First in the edition (#1) mounted to wood and sealed with resin
Ross Proulx
Ross Proulx
Known As Unknown
Known As Unknown
Brian Methe "Charlie C.K."
Brian Methe
“Charlie C.K.”

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.