Lina LecaroCelebrating her 45th birthday this year (She doesn’t look a day over 30!) Hello Kitty remains an enduring pop culture icon, her bold, simple lines and ultra-girly vibe embodying whimsical fun, collectability and, as her creators Sanrio have always touted, “friendship and kindness.” The bowed feline might have come from Japan but her appeal is universal, inspiring entertainment, fashion and especially art. L.A. fans will never forget the mega art show that marked her 40th. Five years later, the beloved cat is back, inspiring many of the same revered artists in even more ways, as well as a new slew of imaginative creators.
(L-R) Okuda San Miguel, Mayuka Yamamoto, Kazuki Takamatsu at Hello Kitty 45th Anniversary Group Show at Corey Helford (Courtesy of the artists)
The Hello Kitty 45th Anniversary Group Show is an exhibition featuring 100 artists re-interpreting the character and her friends via different mediums — paint, sculpture, digital art and more. Anthony Ausgang, Bei Badgirl, Buff Monster, D*Face, Mark Mothersbaugh, Mayuka Yamamoto, Oliver Hibert, Tara McPherson, Olivia De Berardinis, ONCH, Paul Frank and RISK are just a small sampling of the artists. Select prints will be available, and Miss K herself will be there in the plush.
Corey Helford Gallery, 571 S. Anderson St., downtown; Tue. – Sat., noon-6pm, June 29 – August 3; Opening Reception: Saturday, June 29, 7-11pm; free; coreyhelfordgallery.com.
(L) Brandi Milne, (R) David Connelly, in the Hello Kitty 45th Anniversary Group Show at Corey Helford Gallery (Courtesy of the artists)
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