Bill Gudmundson, “Titanosaurus”

What: Opening Exhibition of “Kaiju Monster Invasion, Miami Beach”
When: Wednesday, December 3, 2008 thru January 4, 2009
Schedule of Events: * Wed. Dec 3rd: Grand Opening * Fri. Dec 5th: Meet the Artists and Artists Signing * Sat. Dec 6th: Kaiju Themed Computer Music Performance, each will take place at 8-10pm.
Where: Art Center South Florida, 924 Lincoln Rd # 205, Miami Beach, FL 33139 (305) 674-8278
Gallery Contact: 305.989.3359 www.haroldgolengallery.com, www.myspace.com/kaijumonsterinvasion
Press Contact: dbaptiste720@aol.com 305.904.8393

Kaiju (怪獣, kaijū?) is a Japanese word that means “strange beast,” but is often translated in English as “monster.” The most famous Kaiju is Godzilla. Other well-known Kaiju include Mothra, Anguirus, Rodan, Gamera, and King Ghidorah. During the 1960’s in Japan, toy vinyl figures of popular Japanese films such as Godzilla (a radioactive lizard) and Gamera (a giant flying turtle) became popular collectables. Over the next four decades the popularity of Kaiju spread around the world, especially here in America.

Recently the Kaiju have spread throughout the western world popular culture, their influence can be seen in the emerging popularity of the “art toy” movement, modern couture and in the artworks of many lowbrow artists from around the world.

During Art Basel Miami Beach 2008, the Kaiju show at Art Center South Florida will bring the most exciting and subversive artists from Japan (East) and the United States (West) in a single exhibition to showcase the various interpretations of Kaiju in both Eastern and Western cultures. This exciting exhibition aims to break new ground in the Kaiju art form, while at the same time, honoring the Kaiju rich history.

Featured Artists:
This exhibition includes many of the top artists of the Lowbrow/Pop Surrealist movements plus internationally acclaimed Japanese artists- making this show a rare occasion that brings the best of the East and West interpretations Kaiju:

RON ENGLISH JOE VAUX MICHEAL HANAUER
COOP AMANDA VISELL VELVET GLASS
ANTHONY AUSGANG DAVEY WONG MARTIN HARRIS
SKOT OLSEN GLENN BARR SUN-MIN KIM
JIM WOODRING N! SATTERFIELD DAVID HORVATH
ATTA-BOY MITCH O’CONNELL NAOTO HATTORI
CHRIS DEAN MARIUZU MARS-1
KEN BERNSTEIN LE MERDE BRIAN MCARTY
KII ARENS MARK NAGATA MARTIN ONTIVEROS
BILL’S KITCHEN BUZZ PARKER ISABEL SAMARAS
MATT WALKER ALEX WALD HAI KAI SARNES
ALEX MEYER DAVID MACDOWELL BOB PLASEBO
BOSKO JOE VITALE BWANA SPOONS
POOCH DONELLA VITALE
CARLOS ENRIQUEZ GONZALEZ

Works will be on traditional wall hung painted canvases, and customized traditional painted vinyl Kaiju figures. A SHOW STOPPING special work by artist Carlos Enriquez Gonzalez consists of a 17 ft tall Kaiju figure brought from Venezuela. A 10 ft x 6 ft. lenticular piece by artist Chris Dean will be displayed in one of the main showcase windows.

Toy Store and Collectibles
This Kaiju Show is an exciting concept that taps into various emerging sub-cultures. For the last decade the Art Toy movement has gained traction in the US through specialized stores and boutiques. The lowbrow art-pop surrealism genre has gained international respectability with artists like Mark Ryden, Shag, and Ron English, who have become superstars of the style around the world. A commemorative poster, as well as a t-shirt will be sold during the show’s 30-day run.

A special edition series, commemorative Kaiju ceramic sculpture by Mark Nagata will be produced by Miles of Munk- Tiki, in collaboration with the Harold Golen Gallery for sale during the show. This highly collectable ceramic Kaiju sculpture will be limited to 25 and will elevate the traditional vinyl medium of the Kaiju to a more fine art level. Because of the highly collectible nature of the Kaiju, some other exclusive merchandising opportunities will be available from Japanese Kaiju figure makers GARGAMEL, DREAM ROCKETS and RUMBLE MONSTERS.

About Art Center South Florida:
Founded in 1984, the Art Center, located on world-famous Lincoln Rd in Miami Beach, provides artists with a highly desired space to showcase their work. The Art Center’s exhibitions are a staple of the burgeoning Miami art community. Past shows in the Art Center during Art Basel week have attracted over 40,000 visitors. The special Miami Beach location—adjacent to the Art Basel fair, makes the Art Center a proven, ideal location for at shows.

Curator/Harold Golen Gallery:
Harold Golen, founder of Miami’s Harold Golen Gallery, curates this special December exhibition during Art Basel 2008. The Harold Golen Gallery focuses on Lowbrow/ Pop-Surrealist Art and has been featured in the New York Times, Architectural Digest, Blue Print Directory, Home, Miami Modern Luxury, Ocean Drive and named ”Best Place to Buy Lowbrow Art” by the Miami New Times. Golen was also the proprietor of the Miami Beach store “POP” an internationally known pop culture store. Golen has a B.A. in Architecture from the University of Miami.

Art Center South Florida, 924 Lincoln Rd # 205, Miami Beach, FL 33139 (305) 674-8278 http://www.myspace.com/kaijumonsterinvasion