I feel very honored and fortunate to have been invited to the 5th Anniversary Celebration of Mark Nagata’s Max Toy Company.

We (the participants) were asked not send in customized toys but instead come up with our own interpretations of the protagonists and antagonists of Mark’s fictional universe. It was not long ago that I came across the website captainmaxx.com which shows various (fake) vintage cases of packing design, tin toys and photos about Captain Maxx – Mark’s own version of Japan’s most well known superhero: Ultraman. I liked the approach so much that I felt inspired to create my own attempt at turning Captain Maxx and his enemy Eyezon into a fake ukiyo-e print suggesting that the hero and his adversaries might actually be rooted in Japanese folklore, albeit relatively unknown.

The diptych is painted on two panels of grey cardboard using ink, acrylics, brushes and airbrush. Each panel is slightly larger than A4 (ca 8×12 inch). The painting will be shown in Tokyo April 2nd and 3rd and later at San Francisco’s Double Punch Gallery. Prints of the painting will be available later.

Below are some images advertising the show.

In the turmoil of my graduation I completely forgot to post about my participation in the “Heavy Hitterz – Maryland” show @ Art Whino. So, if you’re around there this weekend you should definitely go. The line-up is incredible.

My piece in the show might ring a bell with the regular readers of this blog. It was already shown at the last installation of “Heavy Hitterz” in Manila, Philippines.

Before I forget about posting this again. I am proud to be among the select few in this years volume of the “Triebwerk” the anthology of the illustration class of the school of art and design in Kassel. My contribution is the comic story I’ve been posting about earlier. And as further motivation here is the comic in its entire form (in German, of course). So, if you enjoy my story and want to support an upcoming group of new comic and illustration artists, please do not hesitate to shop for this and other great goods at rotopolpress. Now, if you happen to be in Germany, you might as well want to come to Kassel directly and check out the exhibition of original artwork at rotopol.

Alright, promotion time. I’m going to participate in the “Heavy Hitterz” group show which will run from Saturday, November 3rd, 2007 (include a mad opening reception with live music and live painting) through Saturday, November 17th, 2007. Guest curator of this show is my friend phoneticontrol. So, if you’re in the bay area around that time, do yourself a favor and check out some awesome artwork. Also check speakerfruits.com/heavyhitterz for more info.