Preview: Idiot Box 2 @ Gallery 1988 [LA]

Way back in April of 2009, we published a post about about a TV-themed group exhibit called Idiot box that was being held at Los Angeles‘ premier pop-culture-centric art venue, Gallery 1988. At the time, G1988 had already become a well established force in the industry, but I believe that it may have been the very first time that we had personally ever posted anything about them. Since then, we’ve continued to watch them curate and host show after show at each of their 2 gallery spaces, with themes that vary from video games to very specific film and television franchises. They’ve hosted endless solo exhibits, while also revisiting such concepts as their stand up comedy-themed show, Is This Thing On? and their infamous Crazy 4 Cult exhibit, with various annual installments. The odd thing is that, for whatever reason, there has never been another Idiot Box show held at the gallery…. until now.

Opening tonight at their “West” location on Melrose, Idiot Box 2 picks up right where G1988 left off 6 years ago, with over 100 artists from various disciplines paying tribute to their favorite television programs past and present. What I like so much about the Idiot Box platform is that, while the general theme being presented promises cohesion, it’s still a broad enough topic to keep things loose and encourage plenty of variety. Although I still enjoy seeing the hyper-specific themes that are often presented at the numerous galleries that work with similar artists and in similar fields, when these exhibits become too specific, it can easily become a breeding ground for repetition. What I mean is that, although it’s possible that tonight’s show could still yield 35 different pieces dedicated to David “Michael Knight” Hasselhoff, it is, statistically, very improbable, and what we’ve already seen so far is beyond encouraging. With such mediums as sculpture, acrylics, water color, prints, plush works, and even Russian nesting dolls being represented, there should be enough here to both generate nostalgia and present attendees with something that they’ve never seen before. This time, the theme is truly just a jumping off point, and the artists seem to really be stepping it up for this one, with enough of a focus to make it interesting, but plenty of freedom to go nuts. From what we’ve seen, contributors are taking this opportunity to venture outside of the (idiot) box to pull off some great pieces. And if even a fraction of the rest of the stuff that we’ve yet to see unveiled approaches the same territory, both creatively and in relation to the attention to detail, this should definitely be one to catch. As always, if you’re in the area, go check this show out, because there is never any substitute to seeing the work up close in person.