Hail To The King @ The Resistance Gallery (April 7)

EVENT-TEXT: On April 7th 2011, The Resistance Gallery, 265 Poyser St, Bethnal Green plays host to HAIL TO THE KING! an evening of art and artists inspired by the 20th century master of comic book art, Jack "The King" Kirby. Artists include painters, illustrators, graffiti writers, toy-makers and heroes of the underground, low-brow & pop-surrealist scenes: Feroze Alam, Jason Atomic, Anthony Ausgang, Angela Edwards, Espira, Dennis Franklin, The Gothic Hangman, Part2ism, Vlad Quigley, Skot Reynolds, Carl Stimpson, Suckadelic, Mark Wigan etc

Exhibition opens  19:00
Auction starts at 21:00
Viewings after April 7th by appointment (until May 7th).
Original soundtrack inspired by the life of Kirby by The Limehouse Cutthroat

[Above: Jason Atomic / Below: Feroze Alam]

Shown here are examples of work by Feroze Alam, Jason Atomic, Carl Stimpson (below-left) and Vlad Quigley (below-right). I may not be a huge fanatic of Kirby's work, but his legacy endures and is respected still. Hey, one of my earliest comicbook ever purchased with my paltry kid's saved up coins, was a reprint of Fantastic Four as they burst into Latveria confronting Dr Doom, as illustrated by Jack Kirby = true story!


In addition, artist Vlad Quigley has designed 19 different prints for 'Hail To The King!' combining his love of Kirby with a cheeky and irreverent sense of humour, this is "Carry On Kirby" on the junction of Bash Street and Yancy Street.

These are super glossy, full colour prints on self adhesive vinyl (the same stuff they use to stick adverts on buses) as such they can be framed or used to customize your cars, guitars or fridges. Using this commercial printing process adds an exciting extra layer of Pop-art-ness to these beautiful prints, the colours are so vibrant, they practically explode in front of your bewildered eyes.

Only samples will be at the opening of the show so if you want to take one home on the night now is the time for pre-orders. Prints can be collected from Resistance Gallery on the evening of April 7th (or afterwards by appointment) upon payment of balance.
contact: resistancegallery@yahoo.co.uk


[19 x images above / Full-screen viewing]

Prices:
Large (61 x 45 cm) £80 ....deposit: £20
Small (42 x 29.7 cm) £60 ....deposit: £10

Special offers:
Buy 2 small £60 prints for £110
Buy 2 large £80 prints for £150
Buy a small/large combination for £130

Paypal deposit payments to: happyvlad2002@yahoo.co.uk
Please state clearly which picture you are ordering.
Last pre-orders are 12pm Friday 1st April - please don't make orders after this date as the art will be at the printers.
Deposits are non-refundable.

HAIL TO THE KING! is an evening of art and artists inspired by the 20th century master of comic book art, Jack "The King" Kirby.

Kirby grew up in the, gangster run, jewish ghettoes of depression era new York. Obsessed by myth and legend, he drew epic scenes to escape the harsh reality of this situation. Drawing every day, he soon found work in the emerging comic book scene. His Captain America (movie out this summer) went to war against Hitler two years before the USA actually joined the conflict and Kirby himself was drafted.

Kirby went on to create most of the top Marvel comics characters, many of which have become household names through movies and cartoons. The Fantastic Four, The Hulk, Thor, The Xmen, The Black Panther (the first black super hero), Iron Man, The Avengers, The Silver Surfer and too many more to mention.

In the comics scene he is referred to as The King and regarded as the most influential artist of the 20th century. His influence in the comic medium is so profound, in fact, that it's become the definitive and generic example of American comic book art.

Sadly, though, however great Kirby was as an artist, he was certainly no businessman. His partner at Marvel Comics, The Barnum-esque Stan Lee made sure the company held the copyright to all of Kirby's creations. His heirs are now engaged in a protracted legal battle with the Disney corporation (who recently bought Marvel Comics & their properties) for rights to their father's work.

With this in mind, we will be having an auction to help them in their struggle.