I mentioned this to Sunday's LASK Gathering - and this really needs a wider audience than the few people who scroll this far down - but this is great news for local toy afficianado's: Michael Lau will be in town next week for his first US Exhibition celebrating the 10 year anniversarry of his ground breaking Gardener Series. Hard to believe this is his first US show, but its true. Lau has shown in Europe and HK, but never here. Also hard to believe its been 10 years! The show will be at De La Barracuda on Melrose, and according to the guys there, will feature Lau's personal collection on display and take up most of their huge store. There will also be a toy specific to the show, and another relaese with the Hundred's and possibly a Nike SB release as well. Seems kind of fluid, which I think is cool and adds spontaneity. VinylPulse has an article here: http://www.vinylpulse.com/2009/09/micha ... tions.html De La Barracuda's blog is kind of low key, just shows pics of invitees: http://barracudashop.com/blog/ Show opens September 29th with a VIP event - featuring the usual suspects - and will continue thru October 3rd. I strongly urge people to check out this show. Lau was making toys before lots of your current faves and his original Gardener series was a landmark IMO. Not many chances to see this stuff. Also, worth supporting a local store who are going out on a limb to turn their store into a Gallery for a week! gardener tenth by michael lau Location: De La Barracuda September 30 - October 3, 2009 7769 Melrose Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90046 Telephone: (323) 852-7179 More details here: http://www.michaellau-art.com/news.html
Holy crap this is such an amazing opportunity! I had no idea he has never done a show here in US before, and that is hard to believe! I've always been a fan of his work, and I hope I'll be able to make it to this exhibit.
Lau was my gateway drug into this world of expensive toys. I've got some city envy for sure right now.
ANyone on teh fence about this - DON'T BE - I was lucky enough to catch a glimpse of teh pre-show setting up and it is MIND BLOWING!!!!!! Seriously.
You're right. All the setup photos I've been seeing on Mindstyle's blog sent me over the edge. I'll see some of you folks on Friday! I wonder how crazy the lines are going to be. Any LA locals please report about the Wednesday and Thursday turnouts.
Content: Stunning Attendees: The usual mix of cool friendly folk and douchebag scenesters High Point: Seeing all 109 Gardeners close up, hanging with cool people Low Point: Middleaged gropesters surrounding by adoring arthags (I'm just jealous) More soon......
Here are a few pics that I took last night... http://www.flickr.com/photos/jordan23/s ... 488385416/ Special thanks to Carl for inviting me over to see the Mecca of Toys that he calls home.
Thanks for posting the pictures Jordan23. This is one of the best display. So much attention to details. Very cool event to attend if you can.
That reflected Lau portrait is great! Man, I can't wait to get out there and see it myself. Did you guys pick up any of the releases? More importantly, any LA Fats left? Hehe.
I picked up the LA Fat and the Watch Set (mainly because I wanted the Lakers LA Fat) and also an extra LA Fat and Book for Scary Andy. I believe they only brought out 30 or so of the LA Fat's last night and will have some available each night.
Had a great time Friday night despite epic wait to get in. Got to meet Michael, check out the amazing exhibit, and filled in some holes in my Gardener vinyl collection. Sorry didn't get to talk with you Carl but I was deliriously trying to soak it all up. Got most of the exhibit releases I wanted but came up short on a wood LA Fat. If anyone has a lead on one hit me up.
