For some people, their favorite way to showcase the work of their favorite artists is on their own body. I've often thought about covering myself in tattoos from Miss Van, or Tado, or Junko Mizuno. The traveling show Quick & Painful let's collectors get tattoos done of special images created for the show by some of the best artists around. Additionally, you can buy the images as prints (details below) and there's some great work available in the Hope Gallery Tattoo webshop.
The “Quick and Painful” Series of Giclee Prints are 11" x 14" and printed on beautiful 300 gram cold press watercolor paper with archival pigment inks. These prints are exclusively available at Hope Gallery and are very limited.
Each Print set comes with an official certificate embossed with the Hope Gallery Seal of Authenticity. Prints are packaged in a crystal clear fitted bag with firm white backing. Shipped flat.
I've included some of my favorite image collections here, from Tado, Tokidoki, Tara McPherson, Junko Mizuno, DevilRobots and Cammila d'Errico
Just succumb to the cuteness... that is TokiDoki x Hello Kitty for your cell phone, available at Strapya World!
Another great show opens this weekend at Gallery Nucleus. 'Sweet Streets' is inspired by Japanese street fashion, and features work by some of my favorite artists!
SWEET STREETS
August 29, 2009 – September 14, 2009
Opening Reception, August 29th 7pm - 11pm
From the Press release:
By combining traditional and modern styles and breaking away from conventional trends, the youth of Japan have blazed a fashion movement. Adding their own creative touches by mixing old with the new while customizing and combining the homemade with designer labels, their look result in the unexpected and avant-garde and in turn created a truly diverse subculture. Art-inspired fashions and fashion-inspired art is one of the most creative symbiotic relationships of our generation.
Co-Curated by CARO, and sponsored by Hi-Fructose Magazine and Kirin Beer, this show will feature work by some of today’s top emerging artists representing their own original take of the infamous and eccentric fashion movement that continues to evolve.
Come out to Nucleus for the celebration of breaking new grounds in creativity and to dive into the SWEET STREETS of Japan.
Opening Night features include:
Free exhibition music samplers to the first 100 attendees.
Dress up to receive 15% off select store merchandise.
Artist & ‘Harajuku’ models in attendance.
Music from the streets of Tokyo.
Free refreshments provided by Kirin Beer.
Free snacks served.
Admission is free.
Artists include:
Yumiko Kayukawa, CARO, Junko Mizuno, Angie Mason, Yoko d'Holbachie, Elizabeth Ito, Mizna Wada, Tiffany Liu, Hideo Okamoto, Griselda Sastrawinata, Kevin Dart, Fawn Fruits, Tessar Lo, Stef Choi, Tokidoki, Anna Chambers, Kozyndan, Mari Inukai, Karen Chau, Jeremyville, You Byun, Attaboy, Lauren Gregg, SKAFFS, Kirsten Ulve, Thomas Han, Tim Biskup & Tigerlily, Danni Luo
& many more!
I recently posted about the awesome selection of prints and posters in the Urban Retro UK online shop.
Since we've been on a bit of a TokiDoki kick lately, I thought it would be a good time to mention that they've also got a terrific selection of TokiDoki gelaskins for your phone and laptop. Super cute!
Check out the whole store actually- clothes, toys, lots of cool stuff!
But wait, there's more! A second trip to a larger Target led me to the Simone Legno back to school section. It's full of binders, book covers, highlighters, pencils- anything you need in the way of school supplies.
Also appearing at your neighborhood Target? Paul Frank! Again, only in the girl's section (come on Target - women wear cute graphics too!) and it's a limited selection, but I tried a hoodie on and it's as nice as the PF Hoodies I've bought in their stores (for half the price). Check online for a better selection of PF stuff.
Target's on a roll... do I see 'Gwen Stefani' for Target coming soon?
So, I went to Target today and I was kinda blown away. Apparently cute, kawaii characters have made it to mainstream- the cheap & affordable mainstream. I am not entirely sure how I feel about it...
Vinyl Pulse snapped some preview pics of TokiDoki's 400% Bearbrick, which is slated for a Comic Con release this year. (Wow, SDCC releases are already happening!)
Kind of underwhelming in my opinion...
There's a new screensaver available for download from TokiDoki! The image even updates itself for the ultimate in away-from-computer-cuteness!
Cute new items in the ongoing Tokidoki & Hello Kitty collaboration. I especially like the Hello Kitty in the donut! Click 'Read more' for additional images.
See the whole collection here.
Cute new stuff over at at TokiDoki! 
There's even free shipping on orders over $75 from now until Halloween. There's lots to choose from- new bags, tees, jewelry, snowboarding gear, soccer balls, posters, and more!
