Monday, November 08, 2004 (SUB HQ, Hollywood, FL) "SubCultures: Art of the Action Figure" exhibit exposes new plastic smell to Portland Oregon.

With two successful exhibits in Miami and Fort Lauderdale Florida, SubCultures now hits the other side of the country to reach new audiences with its message of "Toys As Art". Opening at the Art Institute of Portland's AI Gallery on Dec 2nd, The exhibit features unusual and creative playthings from various artists across the globe and brings a spotlight to the niche culture that has formed around these odd pieces of plastic.

When contacted by phone, SubCultures creator/curator Jesse DeStasio said "Please don't call this late. The cut-off is 10 o'clock."

The exhibit stars Anh Tran's tender plush creation Tranimals, The spooky Sheetghosts by creators Trevor Zammit and Mark Bodnar, Matt Connelly's tasty warrior of stealth: Ninjabread Man , and finally Bighead, Jeffery Brown's ironic superhero critique.

DeStasio's own contribution is a series of paintings and custom action figures continuing the adventures of his character Rex Ganon: The Indestructible Man.

"The story arc for this exhibit has Rex putting on his spacesuit and scouring the red planet in search of the Sword of Mars! This provides and excellent excuse to paint pictures of spacemen. It also deals with themes of lust, consumption, and tummy aches with Rex falling in love with the beautiful Vistacountess of Mars, Iless. Will Rex leave his wife and kid earth side? Who the hell cares, there will be free kool-aid regardless!"

Iless

Other works of "toy art" are on display from smarmy likes of David Horvath, Casey Lau, AngelDevilDolls, SpaceSpore, Plan B Toys, Palisades, Mezco, Evan Dorkin, Tim Biskup, Iron-Cow Productions, Mister Ban YJ, Toy2r, Scary Girl, Art Asylum, Joe Amaro, Spymagician, James Kochalka, And many more...

Local Portland artists Craig Thompson and Bwanna Spoons also contribute some top secret artwork.

On hand for the opening reception will be show creator and curator Jesse DeStasio, Anh Tran, Craig Thompson, Jeffery Brown, Trevor Zammit, Mark Bodnar, Bwanna Spoons, Matt Connelly, and a few surprise guests. Come mingle with us! Hugs are free!

One of a kind art-work, hand crafted plush, and the Exclusive Rex Ganon action figure will be sold along with a portion of our souls.

Check out www.subculturesdesign.com for more details or contact [email protected]

SubCultures: Art of the Action Figure
THE ART INSTITUTE OF PORTLAND GALLERY
The Art Institute of Portland
1122 NW Davis Street
Portland, OR 97209

Phone: 503-228-6528
Toll-Free: 1-800-616-2473
Gallery line: 503-382-4801
[email protected]
First Thursday Opening & Artist Reception: December 2, 2004, 6 - 8 p.m.
First Thursday Reception: January 6, 2005, 6 - 8 p.m