DDR Projects opens its doors Friday, Aug. 3, with an opening-night party for the group-show “Hijacked: Because Homage is Just Another Word for Stealing.”
DDR Projects is a brand new gallery that specializes in affordable works from both up-and-coming artists, as well as established artisans and innovators from around the world.
“Hijacked” features more than 50 artists who have customized a vinyl toy figure called “Skumbo.” This figure designed by Tristan Eaton and manufactured by urban toy giant Kidrobot didn’t sell well. So DDR Projects began buying up the dead stock and sent them out to artists, designers, illustrators and animators who turned the originally plain figures into extraordinary one-of-a-kind pieces.
Artists include Emek, Elizabeth Berdann, Doktor A, Matt Connelly, Kathie Olivas, David Krys, Jeremyville, Peskimo, Kenn Munk, Triclops and others.
Customizing vinyl toys is a natural offshoot of the urban toy or designer toy movement, which began in 1997 when Hong Kong artist and designer Michael Lau showed up at a toy convention with a handful of reconstructed GI Joes and collectible toys. Vinyl toys have never been the same since, as this movement has developed its own sub-culture with its heroes, rivalries and unlimited potential for growth.
“Hijacked” will continue into September, and the gallery will be open Wednesday through Sunday. The gallery is located at 1532 East Broadway in Long Beach.
For more information, contact John Geldbach by calling (562) 590-9030 or via email at john@ddrprojects.com.
