Some of the most disturbing imagery in the history of mankind landed in my inbox recently. Most of it is too horrific to display here on this family orientated website… oh to hell with it, click ‘more’ to see the awesome craziness if you dare. In the meantime, we can reveal that a whole host of Star Wars nerdiness is heading to Excel, London from 13th – 15th July 2007. Celebration Europe will host this side of the ponds 30th Anniversary of the epitome of geek-indulgence.
ARTS WARS doesn’t just look back at the last 30 years, but serves as a reminder that Star Wars remains fresh and exhilarating – especially when filtered through an artistic lens. Supported by PUMA, ARTS WARS has been curated by design and toy production duo dan&dan. “We are thrilled to be involved with the creation of ARTS WARS & once again Puma have been incredibly supportive of our vision,” says dan&dan. “Puma helped dan&dan put on a fantastic 2000AD exhibition in 2006; with their aid we have taken ARTS WARS to the next level”
ARTS WARS is located on Level 2 of the Platinum Suite. The project will be open every day of the show and includes:
The Vader Project (Revenge of the Brits)
The brainchild of DKE Toy’s Dov Kelemer, along with Master Replicas, has enlisted the cutting edge of America’s underground artists, each of whom received a 1:1 scale replica of Darth Vader’s helmet that served as a blank canvas to decorate, render and adapt as they saw fit. More than 60 artists contributed helmets to The Vader Project, which premiered at Celebration IV in May and makes its first-ever appearance outside of America at STAR WARS CELEBRATION EUROPE. All 60 helmets from the USA will be joined by more than 20 new and exclusive helmets – all created by some of the the UK’s hottest talents in the fields of art, design and illustration.
Featured Vader Project artists include: Asbestos, BRENB, Build, Chris Judge, Container, dan&dan, Fos, Guy Featherstone, I Love Dust, JaKE, James Taylor, Jon Burgerman, JOOLS, J. Otto Seibold, Jude & Lerman, Marcus Broome, Mark Ecko, Mark James, Morpheus Design, Neil Mcfarland, Not Bad For a Girl, Oliver Jeffers, Pete Fowler, Peter Kennard & Cat Picton Phillips, Pinky, Puma Design Team, Romero Britto, Serge Seidlitz, Shag, Symbiotics, Swifty, Tado, Tim Biskup, Togetherplus, Triclops.
Urban Canvas
Watch hot European graffiti artists create giant Star Wars-inspired graffiti & live painting during STAR WARS CELEBRATION EUROPE. Artists including Tado, dan&dan, Neil McFarland, JaKE and Artful Dodger will be working directly onto large canvasses located around the ExCeL venue.
The Illustrated Trooper
A selection of tattoo artists will decorate a life-sized set of Stormtrooper armour with custom tattoo artwork during STAR WARS CELEBRATION EUROPE. Each artist will work on a dedicated section of the armour and the armour will be assembled on a mannequin to create a one-of-a-kind illustrated-from-head-to-toe trooper. Presented by iconic London ink slingers Kids Love Ink,
The Vader Project Installations
Thomas Neal’s Centre. Shaftesbury PLC have teamed up with the dark side! Seek out Darth Vader & the evil empire at number 1 Thomas Neal’s Centre in Seven Dials from the 7th until 16th July.
THE ANIMATION ART GALLERY
The invasion continues! Bear witness to the power of the Sith at The Animation Art Gallery.
Now on to those photos… (more…)
