EYE WITNESS: Lunartik’s Mini Tea Tour @Forbidden Planet

On a recent trip into London, we took some time out to go and visit the prestigious Mini Tea Tour 2011, currently on show at Covent Garden’s Forbidden Planet comic store. Hosted by one of the UK’s leading illustrators/toy designers Matt “Lunartik” JOnes, the exhibit (which was previously covered in the Tru:Teknology Files way back in June) features 70+ custom art toys using the iconic ‘Cuppa Tea’ mini figure as a platform. Including the works of famous artists such as Pete Fowler, Mori Chack (Gloomy Bear), Jimmy Foo and Pez, the show, whilst small, is a definite must see for all of Lunartik’s followers. The level of detail on each of the small 3″ figures is truly astonishing, with each creation bursting with unique personality and creativity.

Mini Tea Tour runs at Forbidden Planet until August 28th (situated at the back of the shop). The show will be closing with the release of the second series of Lunartik’s iconic toy, with an in-store  Tea Signing on the Saturday which promises to be an “absolute paint fest!”.


(Above) Two highlights from the show; Mori Chack’s Gloomy Bear themed ‘Vampire Cuppa’, and Itokin Park’s iconic ‘Nano’ Cuppa.


Toykio Toy Commission Cuppa Tea

Along with his extensive work on the continuing Mini Tea Tour, and the eminent release of his eagerly anticipated series 2 of Mini Tea figures, Lunartik has also been preparing his latest custom piece, the Toykio Toy Cuppa, released to coincide with the company’s latest store opening.

“A few months ago http://www.toykio.de opened it’s new store in Düsseldorf. I was commisioned to come up with a custom piece specially for the grand opening. Here it is… full of beans!”

-Matt Lunartik JOnes

(photos- Tru:Tek/Lunartik)

The Tru:Teknology Files are back!

After a relaxing 2 week break, we’re finally back on board here at the Tru:Teknology Files. As ever, we’ll be bringing you the latest news across the whole creative spectrum, including features on the best artists, exhibitions, music, architecture, toys and technology the design industry has to offer.

E-mail us directly at trutek.uk@googlemail.com with any comments, suggestions or work you’d like featuring on the site.

Panza @Tru:Tek

Blockbusterz Group Art Show @Artoyz

In a collaboration with GeekArt.net, renowned Parisian gallery and art toy shop, Artoyz, has launched it’s 2nd summer collective exhibition, entitled Blockbusterz. Calling on the talents of 40 internationally known artists including Ammo, Bonface, Kozet, Tim Tsui and Plastic Soldier, each was asked to create a piece based on a blockbuster film from the past 30 years.

With artworks and toy customs inspired by the likes of Star Wars, Free Willy, Ghostbusters and Iron Man, Artoyz’s latest show truly has something for everyone. Blockbusterz will be running at the Artoyz gallery, Paris, until September 3rd, with all show pieces available to view and purchase through their web page here.

(photos- artoyz)

Spoonfull of Star Wars: Artwork Reveal

As mentioned here at the Tru:Teknology Files earlier this month, infamous psychedelic artist Bwana Spoons has collaborated with DKE Toys to create a series of over 100 paintings based on the original vintage Kenner Star Wars figurines. The exhibition was held at DKE’s booth at the San Diego Comic Con last week, with pictures finally available for viewing through the company’s Flickr account here.

“This special exhibition of over 100 original paintings by artist Bwana Spoons features portraits of vintage Star Wars™ action figures done in the artist’s signature style. Bright colors, rainbows, humor and fart jokes come though in what Bwana calls, “an awesome dream project.” Dov Kelemer and Sarah Jo Marks of DKE Toys commissioned Bwana Spoons to reinterpret each vintage Kenner Star Wars™ action figure from the original line 1977-1985. These creative interpretations include not only the popular figures but also variations that every Star Wars fan will love!”

– Press release

(photos- DKEtoys)

tokidoki x K11 International Collaborative Art Project

As part of K11’s annual Food Art Festival, the prestigious Hong Kong based super-mall has collaborated with Tokidoki on a series of projects that will run until the end of September.

Known for their extensive work with the likes of designer Karl Largerfield, Le Sport Sac and Levi’s, Tokidoki have created two 5 meter tall installations based on their iconic cactus and newly designed lion characters. Alongside these massive sculptures the design house will also be hosting two shows, A Recipe for Homemade Dreams, featuring 18 new works by the studio’s Simone Legno, and the Tokidoki Heritage Exhibition, a collaboration project with local students and artists.

As well as the host of events the Tokidoki team are taking part in, the crew have also managed to find the time to open their first ‘pop-up’ shop, situated in the centre of the K11 mall. Featuring toys, iPhone and iPad covers, umbrellas, t-shirts and more, the tokidoki x K11 Worldwide Limited Collectibles shop’s products are all 100% exclusive to the mall- making them highly desirable to any Toki collector worth their salt!

As if all their recent work with K11 wasn’t enough, Tokidoki are also gearing up for the launch of their latest collaboration with Singapore based delivery company, SingPost. Based on the Zip and Cody designs Tokidoki originally created for their MyStamp collection last year, the characters have been beautifully sculpted in 3D.

Priced at SGD$49.90, the set is available to purchase via shop.vpost.com.sg, with a current due date of August 20th.

(photos/via- tokidokiblog)

Back to the Future: Contemporary-Retro Gaming

Retro gaming has seen a huge resurgence in recent years through the accessibility of download services such as Xbox Live, Steam, Wii Channel and the App store, but even with the extensive collection of titles available, the true ‘arcade feel’ has been hard to recreate without sacrificing the money and space needed for a full-blown cabinet set up.

Recognising retro gamers desire for a more authentic experience, there have been a number of companies including Analogue Interactive and Ion Audio that have recently released products on to the market which hope to bridge the gap between home and arcade.

Analogue Interactive’s ‘Consolised’ NEO GEO MVS

Widely regarded as one of Japan’s leading arcade game developers throughout the 90’s, NEO GEO originally released the MVS as a hub allowing arcade owners to play all of the company’s releases as cartridges in a standard cabinet set up. In a strictly limited run, retro-inspired design house Analogue Interactive have taken the MVS’ components and re-housed them in a beautiful hand made walnut case. Offering all of the digital ‘outs’ needed to run through the composite of any HD t.v, the CMVS is compatible with all of NEO GEO’s controllers and arcade sticks.

Whilst both the console and cartridges are way out of most game enthusiasts reach (the CMVS retails at $650, with game cartridges running between $40-$1000), the CMVS offers a truly authentic arcade experience for those short on space.

Samurai Showdown, Metal Slug and King of Fighters, 3 of NEO GEO’s flagship creations.

Analogue Creative

Ion Audio’s iCade iPad Cabinet

Apple’s App store has proven to be one of the most successful sources for retro gaming classics in recent years, with compilations from the likes of Elite, Capcom and Atari catering for most nostalgic gamers needs. Whilst most of the apps available offer loyal re-creations of our favourite coin-eaters, the touch screen controls often let the experience down, offering none of the feedback of a robust arcade stick and button.

Peripheral company Ion Audio have recently released a solution to this problem in the form of the iCade, a cabinet-like stand which can hold any iPad, offering authentic arcade controls for an ever growing collection of App store games including Atari’s Greatest Hits, Ironstar Arena and Mos Speedrun. Based on the sturdy JAMMA arcade cabinet controls, the 8 buttons and stick have been knowingly designed using tough materials for the inevitable abuse they will receive.

The iCade is available now through Firebox at £89.99.

Ion Audio

MAD Magazine’s Spy vs. Spy Custom Toy Show

For the 50th Anniversary of their legendary feature, Spy vs. Spy, MAD Magazine have collaborated with several top artists including Sket-One, Jason Freeny, Jon Burgerman, Brian Flynn and Bubi Au Yeung to produce custom artworks based on the series’ iconic spy figure. Featuring at the DC Comics booth at the San Diego Comic-Con this week, MAD are previewing a new piece everyday leading up to the event at their ‘Idiotical’ web page here.

Famed illustrator and toy designer Andrew Bell’s entry (pictured below).

(via- vinylpulse)

The Tales of Bucket Town: New Works by Harley & Boss

Harley and Boss, the collaborative design company from illustrator and designer Andrea Kang and artist Nathan Jurevicius, are preparing for their first solo exhibition at the Rotofugi Gallery, entitled Tales of Bucket Town. Famed for their various solo work, including Jurevicius’s popular Scarygirl project (currently optioned by 2004 Oscar winning producer Sophie Byrne for a screenplay), the duo have recently formed Harley and Boss to showcase their latest toys, artworks, installations and limited edition products.

The show opens August 5th at the Rotofugi gallery and shop, Chicago, running until September 4th. Artworks will be available to view and purchase here from August 6th.

(photos- harleyandboss)

Oddworx: The Art of Alex Solis

Recently garnering a huge amount of attention through t-shirt design site Threadless, Milwaukee based illustrator and designer, Alex Solis, has built up a steady following through his beautiful, intricate, and often hilarious artworks. Featuring familiar characters from the last 30 years of popular culture, Solis blends reality with the absurd; an over weight Mario, a ‘Sponge’ Bob Marley, and a ‘Donkey Kong’ gorilla enjoying lunch are all highlights of an extensive body of work. With recent projects including promo art for Disney’s Tron Legacy, Solis and his Oddworx brand look to be going from strength to strength.

“Most of my artwork is from imagination and self expression, even though most personal work is done with tradional mediums, I use and incorporate new technology for web development and graphic design. I’m always seeking challenging projects to expand my artistic repertoire.”

-Alex Solis, Oddworx

For more information on Alex Solis and his creations, check him out at the Oddworx site here.

Step-by-step tutorials for Lion King inspired ‘The King’ and Donkey Kong tribute ‘Lunch Break’ (both pictured below) are available to view through Solis’ Oddworx web page here.

(via/photos- alexsolisoddworx)

Squid Kid Ink’s 10-DOH! So Analog 8-Bit Bunch

In a collaboration with art toy manufacturer Squid Kids Ink, Nate Mitchell is preparing for the launch of his latest line, the So Analog 8-Bit Bunch, set to drop at this years San Diego Comic-Con. Inspired by Nintendo’s 8-bit NES cartridge, the 7″ figures come in 7 grey designs, featuring retro game covers from artists and illustrators including the legendary Frank Kozik. An ultra limited single gold edition makes up the 8 piece set, with details on it’s availability forthcoming.

The So Analog 8-Bit Bunch will be available at Squid Kid Inks booth (#5137) at $35 each.


(via- toysrevil)

Sofubi Godafathers @Toy Art Gallery: Artwork Reveal


Opening last Friday (July 8th) at Los Angeles’ Toy Art Gallery, the Sofubi Godfathers exhibition celebrates the weird and wonderful world of Japanese Kaiju by taking a look at the latest works of four of the industry’s finest artists; Paul Kaiju, Mark Nagata, Blobpus, LASH, and Bob Conge/Plaseebo. The grotesque creations are now available to view through Toy Art Gallery’s site, with all purchasing enquiries to be directed to info@toyartgallery.com.

Sofubi Godfathers runs until July 19th.

(via- toyartgallery)

James Jarvis x Coke: Celebrating 125 Years

In a collaboration with artist and illustrator James Jarvis, Coca Cola is celebrating it’s 125th anniversary with a limited run of can illustrations across Japan. Featuring six designs based on Jarvis’ iconic Yod character, each plays on the various ad campaigns the company has used over the years.

Exclusive Japanese clothing company ‘Clot’ has released several promotional items to coincide with the celebrations, including t-shirts, bags, trainers and phone accessories, available here.

 

(via- clutter)

Crazy 4 Cult 5 @Gallery 1988: Artwork Reveal

As mentioned earlier this month, Gallery 1988 are holding their 5th Crazy 4 Cult exhibition throughout July, with all of the  artwork now available to view and purchase through the gallery’s web page. Featuring a huge selection of painters, illustrators and designers including Justin White (above) and Scribe, each has re-interpreted  their favourite cult movies in their own unique way.

The exhibition runs at Gallery 1988’s Melrose location, LA, until the end of the month.

 


(via- gallery1988)

Transformers Vault: More Than Meets The Eyes

Coinciding with the release of summer blockbuster Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon, Hasbro have collaborated with writer Pablo Hidalgo to produce a definitive collection of art from the cult 80’s kids T.V show. Featuring early animation sketches, interviews with creators, wooden sculptures for the original toys, patents, prototypes, action-figure designs that never made it to production, vintage packaging art, and set-design sketches from the Michael Bay films, the ‘Transformers Vault’ is the most comprehensive design guide to the iconic series yet.

Transformers Vault is available to purchase now for £22.99 through Abrams.

Transformers Vault is currently available through Amazon at 43% off here.

(via/photos- WIRED)

Szoki’s Art Deco Inspired Movie Posters

Hungarian illustrator Szoki has just released images of his latest work, a 1950’s pin-up inspired take on Lord of the Rings. Gaining recognition for his beautiful art deco posters, Szoki has reinterpreted the likes of Star Wars and Hell Boy, whilst exploring cult horror through his series of posters entitled ‘Boogey Men’.

For more information on the artist, check him out on Behance here. Whilst Szoki’s work is currently not for sale, he has revealed to WIRED that he plans to release hi-res versions of the posters soon.

(via/photos- WIRED)

LFOP’s ‘Revenge’ Exhibition Reveal

Covered by the Tru:Teknology Files at the beginning of last month, The Little Friends of Printmaking’s latest show, entitled ‘Revenge’, is now available to view and purchase online. Running alongside the previously mentioned ‘Pro/Confetti’ exhibition by Aesthetic Apparatus at the Rotofugi gallery and shop, Chicargo, Revenge will be showing until July 31st.

To view/buy any of the featured artworks, go directly to Rotofugi’s online shop here.

(photos- rotofugi)

Pro/Confetti: New Works by Aesthetic Apparatus

Opening last Friday (July 1st) at the prestigious Rotofugi gallery and shop, Pro/Confetti features the latest works by talented duo, Aesthetic Apparatus. Based in Wisconsin, Dan Ibarra and Michael Byzewski have gained huge recognition in the art world, with their unique blend of printmaking and contemporary design featuring in the pages of Communication Arts, Creative Review, HOW, Print, Rolling Stone and Swindle to name a few.

The exhibition runs until July 31st at the Rotofugi gallery, Chicargo. All artworks from the show are available to view and purchase through the gallery’s site here.

Crazy 4 Cult 5 @Gallery 1988

Now in it’s fifth year, Gallery 1988’s prestigious ‘Crazy 4 Cult ‘exhibition is due to open this Friday (July 8th). Featuring a top selection of 100 painters and illustrators including Martin Hsu, Aya Kakeda, Julian Callos and Eric Tan, the show features interpretations of the artists favourite cult movies.

The exhibition is set to run until the end of the month at Gallery 1988’s Melrose location, LA. All pieces are available to purchase by e-mailing Jensen at the gallery here.

Previewing at Martin Hsu’s web page is his entry, “When Data Met Byte”, inspired by 80’s kid’s film The Goonies.

“My piece “When Data Met Byte” illustrates the first encounter between Data and his soulmate, Byte.  The outcome of this romantic gathering might be uncertain, but as Data will find out about life that fate strikes fast, puberty hits hard, and love hurts a lot.”

– Martin Hsu.com

(via- gallery1988/martinhsu)

Kathie Olivas’ Sweet & Sorrow

In a collaboration with the Stranger Factory, famed international fine artist and toy designer, Kathie Olivas, is putting the final touches to her latest solo exhibition entitled Sweet & Sorrow. Featuring a host of paintings and custom toy works, Olivas’ signature style, inspired by early American portraiture, shines through in the familiar twisted blend of birds, skulls and adult-like children. The exhibition will also see the release of Olivas’ latest toy creation, the Purple Greeter Skelve, which at an extremely limited edition of 30, will be available to purchase for $170.

The Sweet and Sorrow show will be running until July 31st at the Stranger Factory gallery, New Mexico. Check the preview at Stranger Factory’s site.

(via- vinylpulse)

Bwana Spoon’s A Spoonful of Star Wars™

Created for the upcoming Comic-con in Dan Diego, Spoonful of Star Wars™ features interpretations of each of the original vintage Kenner Star Wars™ toys from 1977-1985 by legendary artist Bwana Spoons. The 100 paintings consist of portraits of the characters in Spoon’s unique style;

Bright colors, rainbows, humor and fart jokes come through in what Bwana calls, “an awesome dream project.”

– Press, Spoonfulofstarwars.com

Commissioned by DKE Toys’ Dov Kelemer and Sarah Jo Marks, curators of the hugely successful Vader Project, the exhibition will feature at the DKE Toy booth (no.4728), San Diego Comic-con, July 20th-24th.

(via- spoonfulofstarwars)