Gary Baseman’s photograph is part of a group show for Polaroid at the Impossible Project Space NYC. “Instant Revolution” features photography by Baseman and four other contemporary artists, James Franco, Maripol, Mary Ellen Mark, and Jennifer Juniper Stratford. The exhibition is the first in an upcoming series of artistic collaborations throughout 2012 that honor the launch of the Polaroid Classic line. The new product line celebrates the seventy-five year legacy of the instant film and camera company.

The photographs in the show were captured with the last original Polaroid Spectra film production from 2008. Baseman explains his image process as, “I wanted to use the camera the way I originally used such a device in the 1970s and 80s…to capture an immediate memory. My art is about discovering one’s “True Self,” and Polaroid cameras have been an important tool in assisting in this truth-finding and free expression.”

“Instant Revolution” opens at Impossible Project Space NYC on February 9^th. Find out more information about the show here.

See more of Gary Baseman’s portfolio here.

Bernstein & Andriulli are hosting Tristan Eaton’s 3D Book signing event at Chateau Marmont in conjunction with The Supper Club. Tristan Eaton, Gary Baseman, Shepard Fairey and James Jean will be in attendance, signing complimentary books, and doing a meet-and-greet for the art-loving crowd. Two ten-feet-high Gibson Les Paul model guitars, customized by Eaton and Fairey, will be placed outside the Chateau for all to admire. These are part of The Maxamillian Gallery’s “Guitar Town on Sunset Strip” series, a public art project launched in August 2010 featuring the World’s foremost street artists.

Lounging in Mark Cunningham-designed AD Oasis@the Raleigh, 50 VIPs enjoyed a sumptuous breakfast and tasted 1800 Tequila Coleccion, a 400 limited edition extra añejo 100% agave tequila (guaranteed to allay any hangover) All set against  the dramatic back drop of an exhibition of Kai and Sunny’s graphic, monochromatic “Flower Series.” Artists Gary Baseman and Vivian Rosenthal, Founder of Tronic Studio / augmented reality platform Goldrun, Kai and Sunny, and Product and Industrial designer Demian Repucci, explored the broad theme of “The Intersection of Art and Design” in a lively panel discussion chaired by Bernstein and Andriulli’s Louisa St.Pierre.

Guests received an exclusive tote bag designed by Marc Jacobs illustrator Nomoco, containing a limited edition card set, and Baseman’s latest designer vinyl toy Toby’s Secret Society, kindly donated by KidRobot. Gary Baseman also customized 50 beautiful gold, black and red screen prints with his infamous characters, and chatted amiably with guests as he signed them, concluding the happy event.

An oasis indeed.

Gary Baseman collaborates with KidRobot on his first toy set in nearly five years. The Toby’s Secret Society mini series starts with Baseman’s iconic character Toby and also includes eleven spirits and brethren. The series is launching at stores around the country with in-store signings by Baseman, art shows, and appearances by Toby.

Baseman’s Toby character is considered the protector of dreams, memories, and darkest secrets. The spirits and brethren that join him in the new set include The Disciple, The Princess of Secrets, The Goddess of Dreams, The Knight of Good Fortune and the seven sacred magi: Compassion, Destiny, Freedom, Lust, Love, Trust, and Truth. The 3-inch figures are intended to represent the impulses of man.

Toby’ Secret Society Series is on sale now at KidRobot.com.

See more of Gary Baseman’s work here.

John Hendrix, Yuko Shimizu, and Gary Baseman are among a celebrated list of illustrators showcasing their work for Rolling Stone at The Society of Illustrators in New York City. “Rolling Stone and the Art of the Record Review” includes over 80 original illustrations commissioned for the Record Review column of the magazine. The art spans over four decades and represents music legends such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, Whitney Houston, and Bob Dylan. The exhibit will also include rock and roll memorabilia and ephemera on loan from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Ohio.

John Hendrix’s featured illustration is his first for the magazine, for the Beastie Boys’ 2004 album “To The Five Boroughs.” The album had post-9/11 themes and Hendrix chose to highlight them and the band’s native New York setting in the artwork. The band is seen standing over Downtown Manhattan, facing the Statue of Liberty, whose torch has been replaced by a microphone.

Yuko Shimizu’s illustration in the show is for Garbage’s 2005 album “Bleed Like Me”. Lead singer Shirley Manson is seen front and center, with the stripes of her outfit bleeding out into the background where her bandmates appear in black, each holding a heart.

Two of Gary Baseman’s illustrations for Rolling Stone are included in the show. The first was for Fiona Apple’s 1999 album “When the Pawn…” The second was for Sheryl Crow’s self-titled album from 1996. They are both acrylic on canvas.

“Rolling Stone and the Art of the Record Review” is on now at The Museum of American Illustration at the Society of Illustrators. The museum will hold an opening reception tonight at 6:30 pm. The show will run until October 22^nd. For more information visit The Society of Illustrators website here.

See more of John Hendrix’s illustrations here.

See more of Yuko Shimizu’s illustrations here.

See more of Gary Baseman’s illustrations here.

Tara McPherson, Jeremyville, and Gary Baseman lend their artistic talents to a new collaboration between Kid Robot and Swatch. The collaboration brings together the classic Gent Original Swatch and Kid Robot’s iconic vinyl Dunny as a collectible pair. McPherson, Jeremyville, and Baseman were three of eight contemporary artists asked to put their own unique design on the pairs.

McPherson’s set is called “The Eyes are Watching” and features one of her characters, Carina a three-eyed space cat hanging out in a field of eyeball flowers.  The eyes wrap around the watch’s band so they can be seen from all angles. The band is also frosted with a see-through frame in McPherson’s signature palette. Of the experience, McPherson says it was “fun for sure,” and “it was a nice challenge to figure out how to make something work on such a limited amount of space.”

Jeremyville has collaborated with Kid Robot on toys in the past but this is his first time designing a watch. His set is called “The So Far Away” and features a new character, Ibbity Pop, from his upcoming storybook of the same name.  Jeremyville wanted the strap and face of the watch to represent the furry body and the face of Ibbity Pop. The arms also create eyebrows for the character and at 10:08 a frown appears over his face.

Baseman’s set is called “Midnight Magi” and is inspired by one of his original characters. The strap is black matte with black gloss and there is just a hint of color in the ghostly character.

The Kid Robot x Swatch collaboration is on sale now. Visit Kid Robot’s site for where to buy.

See more of Tara McPherson’s work here.

See more of Jeremyville’s work here.

See more of Gary Baseman’s work here.

Gary Baseman, Craig Ward, and Jeremyville interpret “The Four Freedoms” for the Tribal DDB Gallery Café Launch and Exhibition. Keith Reinhard, Chairman Emeritus of DDB Worldwide, originally penned “The Four Freedoms”. Each artist was tasked with interpreting a specific pillar of freedom.

Craig Ward created the piece for “The Freedom to Be.” The pillar expresses the importance of individuality as well as being part of the bigger picture, be that within an agency or in society. Ward’s final piece was a 2300+ layer photomontage of a flock of starlings. Jeremyville’s pillar was “The Freedom to Fail.” His piece is a continuation of his Community Service Announcement series, which convey a simple message of inspiration or empowerment. Jeremyville’s CSA for DDB features the phrase “Venture into the Unknown” and depicts a character walking off into a hillside with the words “Uncertainty”, “Risk”, and “Chance” written on it. Gary Baseman created a piece for the “Freedom from Fear” pillar.

“The Four Freedoms” is the first installment in a continuous art rotation at Tribal DDB Gallery Café in New York. All of the artists’ pieces will be part of DDB’s permanent collection.

Agency: DDB Worldwide
Talent: Gary Baseman, Craig Ward, Jeremyville

Five B&A artists collaborate with 1800 Tequila on the third edition of the Essential Artists Series. Tes One, Gary Baseman, Tristan Eaton, Ray Smith, and Yuko Shimizu produced unique interpretations of Luchadore (professional Mexican wrestler) for the Lucha Libre-themed tequila bottles. The series is a chance for 1800 to bring a contemporary, artistic touch to the brand.

Ray Smith’s bottle was inspired by his ongoing series of mask-like pieces called Symmians. His Lucha Libre Symmian gets his power from elemental forces and tequila. Yuko Shimizu’s bottle features a close-up shot of a Luchadore face. She added drama by cropping the face and adding flying flames. Since tequila is made from the agave plant, Shimizu based the Luchadore’s mask on the plant’s shape and pattern.

Only 1800 bottles were produced for the limited edition run, which launched with a party sponsored by VICE Magazine on May 5^th.

Client: 1800 Tequila
Talent: Gary Baseman, Tes One, Tristan Eaton, Ray Smith, Yuko Shimizu

Tristan Eaton has parlayed his interest in retro 3D imagery into a new book, The 3D Art Book.  The book features a selection of over 100 works by established and up-and-coming artists and covers genres from street art and graffiti to graphic design and Pop Surrealism. Gary Baseman, Claw Money, Tokidoki, Shepard Fairey, Ron English, James Jean, Dr. Revolt, and Todd Schorr are just a few of the artists included.  Many pieces were created specifically for the book.

Eaton first became interested in stereoscopic images when he was 19 and working as an apprentice at the famed Detroit screen-printing shop Highway Press. After silk screening 3D posters, he became interested in reviving the retro technology and seeing how it could be translated today. Eaton includes his personal history with 3D art in the introduction of the book.

The 3D Art Book will be released April 1st and is available for pre-order now on Amazon.com.

See more of Tristan Eaton’s illustrations here.

Gary Baseman will exhibit his first solo show in New York City in six years at Jonathan LeVine Gallery, starting this week. “Walking Through Walls”, Baseman’s exploration of breaking through imposed limitations and boundaries in society and the world, opens on March 5^th. Baseman explores this concept with the use of collage and silkscreen in his paintings.

“Walking Through Walls” conveys a more somber tone than Baseman’s previous works. The illustrator lost his father last year and the loss is reflected in the dark, more subdued colors and the addition of shades of gray to his previously bright palette. Baseman also introduces the character Little Miss Boo, a young girl in a homemade ghost costume. A child in a black and white photograph from his personal collection of vintage photographs inspired Little Miss Boo. Baseman has previously drawn creative inspiration from the collection, although this is the first time he has incorporated imagery from photography in his work.

“Walking Through Walls” will run at the Jonathan LeVine Gallery until April 2^nd. Find out more about the exhibition here.

See more of Gary Baseman’s illustrations here.

Photo by Sean Bonner

This weekend in New York City October 9-11, RE:FORM SCHOOL will be taking over 233 Mott St. in a call for the reform of the American Public Education System. RE:FORM school is an art exhibition, event series, and public awareness campaign that believes it is the right of every child to have access to high quality education. It is open to the public between 10:00am-6:00pm.

Artists involved include Andrew Bannecker, Gary Baseman, FriendsWithYou, Shepard Fairey (founder of Studio Number One), Tes One (pictured above: Wonders Never Cease), TrustoCorp, and many more. Events include a silkscreening workshop with Faile, a paper mural workship with WK Interact, and a breakdancing class with Ken Swift. Don’t forget to stop by the old fashioned bake sale! Proceeds support local arts and education.

Tes One is featured at RE:FORM SCHOOL’s blog in their “Meet the Artist” series. He explains, “When I was younger, I had a hard time concentrating in school because my imagination was quite vivid. I would daydream a lot. I wanted to explore and discover things as much as I could. As I got older, the capacity of my imagination would shrink to make room for practicality, limitations, life, etc. 
I created “Wonders Never Cease” as personal reminder to never stop exploring, never to close my mind. With as much as there is to learn, you will never reach the end. Stay curious!”

Wonders Never Cease was created specifically for this exhibition, it is painted on a 6′ x 4′ chalkboard. Read more about Tes One at Meet the Artist: Tes One.

Tes One, Taking Tree

Tes One, New Day

Links:
RE:FORM SCHOOL
Tes One

Gary Baseman, Jeremyville (pictured), and Thunderdog Studios were among the 100 artists chosen to participate in The Vader Project. Artists were given a 1:1 scale replica of the Darth Vader Helmet used in George Lucas’ Star Wars films to re-imagine and customize. The villainous Darth Vader’s helmet is instantly recognizable in pop culture; in the hands of artists the helmet takes on a new life.

The project premiered in 2007, starting in Los Angeles and then making its way through Europe and Japan before ending at the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The helmets are now on display at Freeman’s Auctioneers and Appraisers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania until they are auctioned on July 10, 2010.

The Vader Project began with Dov Kelemer and Sarah Jo Marks of DKE Toys. They curated 100 notable artists and designers, partnering with Freeman’s to make the pieces available to the public. Other artists chosen include Shag, Paul Frank, Ron English, Tim Biskup, Frank Kozik, Simone Legno, Marc Ecko, and more. Comment Kelemer and Marks, “From a simple idea in 2005 to a record-setting exhibition in 2009, it’s time for our child to venture forth into the world.”

L: Gary Baseman, R: Thunderdog Studios

Multiple angles from Gary Baseman, Thunderdog Studios, and Jeremyville (in order)

This project has no affiliation with Star Wars or Lucasfilm.

Links:
The Vader Project
Watch the auction here
Bid at the auction here
View the other helmets
Gary Baseman
Jeremyville
Thunderdog Studios

LACMA MUSE and ArtWalk 2010: The Los Angeles Arts & Music Festival come together to bring you Gary Baseman’s “Giggle and Pop!”. The show stars Baseman’s ChouChous and Tar Pit Girls whom will perform to choreography by Sarah Elgart and music by Carina Round. Attendees are invited to join in the dancing and festivities and some will receive limited-edition sashes with original art by Baseman. Three performances are scheduled Saturday, June 12th at 12pm, 1pm, and 3pm with vignettes in between each show.

“Giggle and Pop!” takes inspiration from Baseman’s paintings “I Melt in Your Presence” (2007), “Hide and Seek in the Forest of ChouChou” (2007), and “La Noche de la Fusíon” (2009). Evil demons dominate the forest of ChouChou where the Wild Girls reside. ChouChous save the Wild Girls by absorbing their negative energy, oozing love from their belly buttons. The Wild Girls are transformed into Tar Pit Girls at the LACMA event, positively altered from the love of the ChouChou.

Tar Pit Girl and ChouChou spotted on Hollywood Boulevard via twitpic

In order to raise awareness on the global HIV/AIDS pandemic, the World Health Organization established World Aids Day in 1988. Observed on December 1st, it is a chance for organizations and individuals to “demonstrate international solidarity in the face of the pandemic.” According to 2008 data from the United Nations, approximately 33 million people around the world are living with HIV.

In Latin America, JWT worked with GAPA/BS (Grupo de Apoio à Prevenção à AIDS da Baixada Santista) on a campaign with the message “Be pure. Safe sex is never wrong.” GAPA/BS is a philanthropic foundation that hopes the campaign will change the perception of purity – that to remain pure, all it takes is protection. Several artists including Gary Baseman (work pictured above) and Tatiana Arocha volunteered their talent for the project, creating art for T-shirts, print media, and animation.

Hello Kitty celebrates its 35th anniversary this year. Parent company Sanrio is not holding back when it comes to honoring the pink-bowed feline. At the center of numerous Hello Kitty events is the Three Apples exhibition at the Royal/T gallery in Los Angeles. Curated by Jamie Rivadeneira, owner of pop-culture shop JAPANLA, the show includes Hello-Kitty inspired work by over 80 artists such as Gary Baseman, FriendsWithYou, Ron English, Buff Monster, Camilla d’Errico, Luke Chueh, Deph, Yosuke Ueno, and more.

In commemoration of Hello Kitty, Gary Baseman painted “Hello Kitty is Fishy,” a loving portrait of one of Baseman’s nymph mermaid girls holding up Hello Kitty transformed into a catfish. “I’ve always admired Hello Kitty in that she is a playful, singular, iconic image. [Sanrio] has created such a life for Hello Kitty from fashion to toys to products to everything.” Despite Hello Kitty not having a mouth, Baseman contends that “Hello Kitty communicates with many other senses - just because Hello Kitty can’t speak doesn’t mean she doesn’t have a lot to say.” With a massive merchandise empire and rabid following, Hello Kitty has certainly found her way into the hearts of many without ever speaking a word.

For an experience that a Hello Kitty fan will never forget, FriendsWithYou created “Kitty Ride,” a massive 18′ x 6′ interactive theme-park experience. At the opening party, well-known Hello Kitty fans Paris Hilton, Kimora Lee Simmons, and her two daughters sat in the Kitty Ride for a real-life fanciful Hello Kitty fantasy.

Says an ambassador of friendship from FriendsWithYou, “We were very inspired to make a Hello “Kitty Ride” to give people an interactive experience and break boundaries form what we have done before. We love to make art that is experiential. Something that is more than passive art. We want to engage you and make you smile! Working with Hello Kitty is super fun for us because of her openness to let us think big and dream bigger, the result was kittyriffic.”

“Three Apples” is on view now until November 15th.