GALLERY 1988: MELROSE

“Gallery 1988 x Adult Swim”

Opening Reception: Friday, Jan. 13, 7-10pm

January 13 – February 4, 2011

When it comes to the pop-culture-themed art exhibits, no gallery has proven more consistent or prolific than the Los Angeles area’s Gallery 1988.  Since 2004, G1988 has become one of the foremost destinations to view high quality work from from some of the most talented established and up-and-coming contemporary artists in the game.  With popularity and interest growing for their original space (located on the corner of Melrose and Labrea), founders, Katie Cromwell and Jensen Karp, found themselves expanding with a second location in Venice, allowing them to consistently run two separate, but equally impressive, exhibits simultaneously and in different areas of the city.  [The Venice location is currently hosting a solo exhibit by Robert Brandenburg].  Perhaps, best known for their themed group art exhibits -a coffee table book based around their annual Crazy4Cult show was just released, featuring a foreward written by yearly host/filmmaker, Kevin Smith- G1998 has become much more than just an underground forum for underground contemporary artists and the nerd culture to express their affinity for film, video games, and TV; they’ve actually received tremendous feedback, praise, and cooperation from the entertainment personalities and corporations behind the inspirations that they are paying tribute to.  Actors like Paul Rudd have personally purchased artwork, Funny Or Die co-presented the stand-up comedy-inspired IS This Thing On? exhibit that we previewed last year, and the Wet Hot American Summer-themed exhibit not only featured a screening for the cult film’s 10yr anniversary, but was actually presented with a Q&A with writer/director, David Wain.

Tonight’s [Adult Swim]-themed show is slated to set off the new year with one of the greatest exhibits that the gallery has curated/hosted yet.  Officially sponsored by the Cartoon Network‘s infamous late-night programming block, [GALLERY 1988 x ADULT SWIM] will feature more than 100 contributions from upcoming talent, G1988 regulars, and big name artists whose careers the gallery have often helped play an integral role in over the years. (more…)