Eric Nakamura

Dirty Hands documentary playing this thursday in LA

2009-11-09T18:38:00.000-08:00

Common down on thursday! Museum is free 5-8p the movie is $8. Fun filled.

Daniel Dae Kim JANM

2009-11-08T20:02:00.001-08:00

Daniel Dae Kim chillin' on a Honda. It's the special Mike Shinoda version. I'd say he should get this monster. I gave him a tour of the grounds of JANM and the Biennale while visiting the mainland from his day job on Lost. Check out the photo below... is he taller than me?
Read the Chiptunes blog post on the www.giantrobot.com/biennale.

The week in review

2009-11-07T09:58:00.001-08:00

Highlights of the week:

Softball come from behind win in Extra innings.

Matsui MVP.

Hiroyuki Sanada sits across from me at dinner. Animator Tekkonkinkrete Michael Arias hangs out too.

Chiptunes workshop today at JANM. Print out the flyer and get in for $5 instead of $9. Works for the entire museum. What a deal and what a day. See the concert tonight too.

Don't forget about Fedor who fights tonight on Channel 2. The greatest MMA'er ever

Tomoo Gokita at Honor Frasier.

Tennis with the Japanese sushi men.

dried persimmons

2009-11-04T08:35:00.000-08:00

One day we'll go back to our agrarian roots. What do you do with persimmons when you can't eat them all? You dry them. I've seen dried persimmons in markets and they're expensive. I'm not talking about $5 a pound, but it's more like $20 a pound if done well. So here's some effort by my mom and dad. We'll see how they end up in a month.

My Cat Kikaida!

2009-11-02T22:55:00.000-08:00

After the many anonymous comments on my blog from miffed toy collectors who didn't bully their way to the front of the food line, I decided to post pictures of my cat. My cat doesn't take much shit from people. She doesn't care if she's laying on wires, papers, or even my computer keyboard. She can make mean faces sometimes. This is one of them. Grrrr to the toy mongers who didn't get their way. Grrrr.

She also stands guard by the back door just in case.

No, you can't have them. No! See my cat just sitting there taking it all in?

After a hard day at work, it's time to sleep. Yes, we both get tired from fighting all day.

Albert Reyes Halloween Maze

2009-11-02T11:30:00.000-08:00

Albert Reyes compound in El Sereno hosted the annual Halloween haunted house maze. Bigger than last year and the year before by all accounts, the cavernous fuel for fire had numerous turns and features. My favorite being the secret observation deck. You'd never know that it was there. Albert says this took a year to build! It was great seeing Albert take material from almost everywhere for this, and although it looked sketchy, he insists it's very safe.

The View from above.

Albert made what looks like a soweto.

Ayako Fujitani on the second floor.

See the second floor? That's balcony.

A mini art show took place with Albert Reyes, Matt Furie, and Aiyana Udesen.

Albert served me up tamales!

Here's some images from the inside of the haunted maze.

Ryan Reyes insists that his mom made the penis. But the pelvic thrusts were his own.

Megan Whitmarsh who raided Mike Kelley's trash.

Matt Furie. Anyone know who the comedian mask is?

Biennale LEDAVHARA monday

2009-10-30T17:32:00.000-07:00

Finally, this is how it's supposed to look. I'll head back this weekend to check it all out again. Anyone want to come?

As for LEDAVHARA? It's going up on monday online.

Smiling Good

2009-10-29T12:47:00.000-07:00

Look out for these in 2010. That's Aki from Good Smile. A cool dude who made it across the ocean from the pacific to be there. Glad we got to hang out. It's fun thinking with him. That's Enna on the right. A GS staffer.

She had some heels on! 90210, Lipstick Jungle, and now Witches of Eastwick star, Lindsay Price came though. I'm a fan.

Aya Takano at the Skarstedt Gallery NYC

2009-10-28T10:32:00.000-07:00

Wish I were there... Aya Takano is amazing all the time.

Aya Takano
Reintegrating Worlds
Skarstedt Gallery
November 5 - December 12, 2009
20 E. 79th St. | New York, NY 10075 | tel 212.737.2060 | fax 212.737.4171

Bangals and Dave's.

2009-10-27T10:57:00.000-07:00

THURSDAY at store opening David Horvath's Biennale Dave's on sale in all stores LA, SF and NYC and online 12 noon PST.
FRIDAY Le Merde Biennale Bangals on sale in all stores LA, SF and NYC and online 12 noon PST.

Keep checking back on the art pieces. It's most likely Monday for the Ledavhara originals.

I shouldn't have to explain any of this, but there's a strong segment who are very clueless as to how a museum show works, and for good reason, how often does anyone get to do anything at a museum? Not often. So let me try to explain.

I saw a someone addressing JANM not being able to sell the art because it's not for profit. I know there were some of you who were miffed that you couldn't buy the original pieces right out of the case. Sorry! Here's an explanation: imagine if you went to MOCA and saw a price tag on a Picasso, a Renoir, or a Basquiat? Can a museum use their advantage of getting public funds and enjoying the tax benefits of being a non-profit and using their gigantic walls to bring up the value of art in order to sell it and even a higher price? That would be unfair.

So, why is it that Giant Robot can sell it? 1) We're not a non-profit. 2) The art that's there displayed does not belong to the museum, it's not part of a permanent collection. 3) At the Takashi Murakami show at MOCA, some of the art was property of Blum and Poe. It's for sale. 4) Sign up list? What's the difference between a list and taking people's business cards? We did blast the information that art would be available at a later date. Join our list.

Can a museum have a gift shop? I don't know the ins and outs exactly, but the gift shop is also part of their business. Even if it's not for profit, museums can have gift shops. Even if it's non-profit, people who work there still need to be paid. The gift shop had Dave's and Bangals for sale.

That said, I do hope you check out the show, etc. It was a lot of work-more than just producing a new toy. This is about pushing the medium and such in a much higher institution than a store website or even a gallery. This show is up three months and will do a lot for vinyl figures. If I were the typical business person, this would only be a toy sale and only online! This is much more than that and it's something that Giant Robot helped put together. So let's be calm and enjoy what's there. Ask questions if you have them.

Biennale photos.

2009-10-26T13:50:00.000-07:00

That's Martin and I standing in front of the wall of magazines. 62 issues doesn't quite look like 62 when they're hung this way. Actually it's short one, you can figure it out. But by the time you see it in person again, it'll be right. Yet, it's a powerful wall and I'm glad it's there at JANM. It makes me laugh how many people trip out of the suits. This being a museum opening, and I suppose people expect us to dress in street clothes, so the idea is the flip it and go clean.

That's me, ex-Secretary of Transportation and the namesake of the San Jose Airport, Norman Mineta, David Choe, and Albert Reyes. I gave a short tour for Norman Mineta who's a big part of the museum and does support GR. It was great to have him here. I wonder where is Secret Service agents were at? That means they were doing a great job.

Gary and Goh stalk the grounds.
It was big smiles for both of them.

That's Deth P. Sun. It was great that he made it down. Late of course, but that's Deth, he can be an enigma. He even waited in line to get to see his work.

That was a gift from Mari Inukai.

GR Staffers. Keyla, Luana, myself, Serina, Sasha, and Seth. Quite a crew. Aaron Brown and Dario B were there as well.

That's me and Marc Gerald.

Chris Bettig and kozy from kozyndan. She was dressed nice.

Jim Lee. Have any ideas on what was the Brand New? Heavies?

Whoa... Horvath, a chika (I swear she's for real), Sam, and Le Merde.

James and Wen.
Big smiles.

Rob 62 Sato wearing his map bag.

The band.

David Choe's mom and Dave. Proud parents and supportive too.

The artists who were in the foto.

That's us on stage.

Michelle Borok

Rama Hughes Christine Castro

Cate and Clement.

Amy Hill.

James and Dan (kozyndan)

Joe Hahn in back and Anthony Batt (buzznet.com)

interviews.

Stella Lai runs to the red

Giant Robot Biennale 2 videos

2009-10-26T11:22:00.000-07:00

That's David Choe's dad sitting in front of Dave playing drums at the Giant Robot Biennale. I'll post photos soon, but here's some video for you to check out. The below is David Choe on drums, James Jean on keyboards, and Goh Nakamura on guitar.

The below video is George Takei doing an introduction of myself. It's overwhelming, but also fun.

David Choe Death Blossom

2009-10-25T15:17:00.000-07:00

David Choe Death Blossom raffle was picked and emails will go out soon. Congrats to those who won.

Biennale - The Banner and last photos pre opening

2009-10-24T09:07:00.000-07:00

James Jean stands in front of his banner art. It's 17 feet wide and nice. It looks great. This is a one second exposure! James Jean and David Choe's art looks great, it's on the second floor along with Souther Salazar's 25 foot painting, Stella Lai's 3 pieces and Jack Long's work. Keep an eye on www.giantrobot.com/biennale for every update I could do. Presentation tonite is at 7:30pm.

Figures and tons of them.

David and Le Merde are working on their wall art.

That's Le Merde and David before they took off. They did a fine job repping Dehara too.

Ako Castuera

Rob Sato getting flicked by Audrey Mag

Biennale update photos.

2009-10-23T08:52:00.000-07:00

Souther Salazar. A guy I've known for a while. This is an in progress of an installation which looks great. I'll add some more photos. This photo does not justice to it, but his large painting that's coming will be something amazing. Also 7pm. Yes, that's when you should come by. I'm going to intro the artists on stage at the hall at 7:30pm. Then it's party time. Music, etc.

Stella Lai

Jack Long

Bill Farroux and Ben Clark

Le Merde and Pryor who's cutting an install documentary that'll play throughout the exhibition.

David Horvath and Le Merde

LA Weekly week of Oct 22, 2009 Biennale

2009-10-22T14:17:00.000-07:00

It doesn't say too much about the art show, but oh well. It'll all make sense if you show up. But keep your eyes peeled, there'll be more to come, we hope.

More Biennale Install Shots

2009-10-21T09:39:00.001-07:00

James Jean's new painting is ready to go up. It has a patriotic color scheme. Meanwhile, below, Jeff Soto's work is up and ready and looking good. There's going to be a special presentation at 7:30pm on saturday to introduce the show and the artists. Also, word is, there's going to be live music played by some of the artists.

Dave, hanging out at his installation.

Jason, putting up some of Choe's work.
I like the red painting a lot.

Some of the last bits of Choe's pieces.

LEDAVHARA t-shirt for the BIennale

2009-10-21T09:35:00.000-07:00

When did all three greats, David Horvath, Le Merde, and Yukinori Dehara supposed to come together and do a project like this?! In S-XL and girls M.

JANM Biennale install shots.

2009-10-20T21:35:00.000-07:00

Here's just a few suspects. Joe Hahn, David Choe, Albert Reyes. They're messing with aerosol and having fun. Below you'll see James Jean. Did you know he has can control? Most don't.

Here's a shot of Dave painting inside.

David Horvath - Le Merde and Yukinori Dehara Trailer - Giant Robot Biennale 2

2009-10-19T13:09:00.000-07:00

Here's Trailer number two. Yes it was actually raining that day in LA. Hope you like it. The trio of figures was conceived a while ago. What's the point of having a show without the collaboration of these artists. I think making something "site specific" is always cool and that's what I hope to do and show as much as I can.

Mari Inukai - The Human Eclectic

2009-10-19T08:57:00.000-07:00

That's Mari Inukai! Guess which one? Quickly made it to The Human Eclectic: An Exhibition Curated by Kent Williams at Merry Karnowsky gallery. Included in the show is: Peter Liashkov, Barron Storey, Jon J Muth, Kent Williams, Aaron Smith, Dean Karr, Mari Inukai, Chris Anthony, Jennifer Poon, Jason Shawn Alexander, Kevin Llewellyn and Sara Escamilla. Here's the link. Mari will be in the Biennale starting this saturday.

Barron Storey the sensei

Ayako Fujitani and Kent Williams stand in front of the painting from the postcard image from the show.

That's a Mari Inukai painting.

Turn for the Worse in the Shepard Fairey vs AP

2009-10-17T09:17:00.000-07:00

This is a bit heartbreaking, although it doesn't diminish the power of the image, the campaign, and all that. Read all of the parts, if you're that into it. Either way, it seems like Shepard erred somewhere, and has come out to talk about it and fess up. It's a bit nuts, and in the end, it seems like he really didn't need to mess around. His case was fine as it was. Wasn't it? This is the AP side of it at the link below. I still think the AP should back off, or else come to a realistic agreement with Fairey or charge him for a license and not try and take portions from his sales which were all put into the campaign. Then again, I'm sure the AP is seeing dollar signs from him. They're only going after him because his rendition was iconic and made money. The other hundreds of Obama images which came from other images, which I'm sure include AP? The planet needs to be consistent.
AP

SDAFF 2

2009-10-17T08:52:00.000-07:00

Tad Nakamura. Ran into him at a Quiznos. For some reason, this dude reminds me of so many people wrapped up in one. But for now, he's in SD with his film, A Song for Ourselves. It's also showing soon in Hawaii. (HIFF). See aSongforOurselves.com I also nominated him as an influential Asian American under 30.

Bananaman... Remember the dude named Nguyen from Starry Kitchen a few posts back? Here he is promoting White on Rice to no end, which will also be in Hawaii. (HIFF).

That's David Boyle, the director of White on Rice. I think he takes a few lumps, but people like his film. whiteonrice.com

Leonardo Nam. His name backwards? Leonardo Nam? Man, O' Drano El! It sounds like a sentence. Maybe it is.

Bahia restaurant in SD. I tried this. The cheese was intense, but I was feeling like Nacho Libre. I had to try it. I still like my corn plain, but this worked.

Mark and Cyndi again. They ordered too much food and almost finished it.

This Homie is strange. A snife and a side of beef that looks like a wig. I'm amazed at how long all this has lasted.

Domo 7-11

2009-10-16T21:37:00.001-07:00

So much Domo imagery in 7-11, it's actually incredible. I didn't see a special drink flavor that was specifically Domo. But there are plenty of cup designs. It's funny how the Domo designs below hold plain non Domo cups.

I've always liked Domo's friends. Those bats are interesting.

Whoa these are weird. I'd rather have a plain Domo design.

This is fun. Domo coffee. Perfect for his teeth.

This is the simplest and coolest design. The Domo cup. It's cool how Domo sometimes works as the object itself. That's a sign of an interesting design.

Just saw the Giant Robot dude doing interviews

2009-10-16T10:26:00.000-07:00

Korean short filmmaker wearing all white. Yes white pants. The dude with the hair and sunglasses, the actor of course. It's fun doing interviews when the dudes don't know English well. The dude the hair said. I'm an actor thank you very much. That was it. I also didn't get a chair to sit on. It's amazing how much people want free stuff. There's totes and keychains, but one lady thought she could take one of these directors chairs.

Cyndi and Mark. This is what happens when you say, "hold my camera please." Notice how the car hood says Asian American Cinema! Yes, it's a genre.

Even the young ladies in short skirst watch from far.