Kaiju Vs Heroes, my exhibit at the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles California closes July 7th, 2019. See over 300+ Kaiju toys from the Mark Nagata collection, take a VR tour of Nagata’s studio, play the Eyezon video game and see the short movie about Mark Nagata’s art and toys, “In the Clutches of Kaiju “ !
In addition, at the museum learn more about the internment of Japanese Americans during WW2 and the modern day repercussions.
Also, the past Kaiju Con featured a number of events that were videoed and have been posted up:
I’m still recovering from Kaiju Con 2019, but in a nutshell it far exceed my expectations ! Plus, the crazy thing is the tickets sold out at the door and they actually had to turn away people wanting to come into the show ! They could see the museum and of course the Kaiju vs Heroes show at least.
I was pulled in many directions, we had a booth, a signing with Gerald Okamura, a Paint Demo and Toy Talk also.
Kaiju Con Crowds
Max Toy table Kaiju Con 2019
While I prefer to stay home and pet the cats … it’s also good to venture out and once I’m out, I do enjoy meeting fans and friends !
Artist Fred Marinello and the Radioactive Giant Bunny ! Love Fred’s work !
Mechavirus in person ! Todd had some drop dead beautiful work !
Awesome Dudes !
Xpanded Universe Mike !
Anatomy Kaiju Eyezon goes home with a Fan !
I didn’t know but the room was full so they stopped letting people into the demo !
I really don’t know what I’m doing π The museum taped the demo and there will be a link to it soon.
Drying brushing Demo !
We also had Martial Arts Legend Gerald Okamura sign his newest figure release for excited fans !
Man of Many Weapons !
π
And finally, participated in a Rare Toys Round table, hosted by Super Duper Jumbo Machinder collector, Tom Franck, with Justin Ishmael, Quang Le and Mark Nagata ! Video is up on YouTube but I believe the museum will also post it soon ( I’ll post up links when they do) Good times !
Holy Grail Red Bullmark Ultraman
and finally I wish I had more time to talk to the many artists and vendors … but here’s a few …
Happy to add this amazing painting by artist Joel Nakamura to the Ultraman collection !
I didn’t want to pressure Max too much but this was his first time selling customs he painted at a con !
Well, I’m sure I’m missing something but was a awesome convention and people kept asking if there will be another next year … all I can say is I hope so and I’m sure the museum will make a decision about it soon π
sThe Cranbrook Art Museum in Michigan has a new exhibit called “Wild Vinyl: Designer Art Toys”. We are lucky to have a some Max Toy figures in the Sofubi ( soft vinyl ) section πΒ Show runs till June 2019 !
Below a segment on Fuji Sankei TV : Kaiju vs Heroes with Mark Nagata that aired locally on KXLA TV in LA. I have a serious Kaiju face in this screen grab ;-P
Shot for the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles, the photo celebrates the upcoming exhibition βKaiju vs Heroes,β featuring Mark Nagataβs unrivalled collection of vintage Japanese toys. Born out of the cultural ashes of World War II, these distinctive soft vinyl figures became both a means for Japanese Americans to reconnect with their culture and an apt metaphor for postwar relations between the United States and Japan.
The exhibit opens on September 15th, 2018 and will run for about 6 months into 2019. We have various events etc planned so stay tuned for more info on the exhibit in the coming months.
By the way, if you don’t already know, please check out the important work Brian is doing for his War Toys project – https://wartoysproject.com/
You know I just make these silly toy collectibles …but, out in the real world people like Brian are actually making a difference for these kids caught in very tragic conditions.
I have a several versions of Kaiju Eyezon toys and art work in this upcoming museum show at MOAH – Museum of Art & History, in Lancaster, California. There’s a bunch of artists in it and you can get more details on a Vip opening this Friday via their web site: http://www.lancastermoah.org
Also have a small run of hand painted mini Alien Argus in the museum store. Not sure if they will be posted online or not, but maybe send them an email if you have interest.
Yes, Art Toys or in this case, Kaiju toys in a museumΒ π
