Ali TrachtaSometimes life imitates art. Or maybe it goes the other way around. But at Gallery 1988, art imitates art at the annual “Crazy 4 Cult” exhibit, a conglomeration of pieces inspired by some of the most celebrated cult films in history.
The show, which opens again on July 8, has featured art riffing off The Big Lebowski, Edward Scissorhands, Blade Runner, Donnie Darko, A Clockwork Orange, Clerks and many more, and boasts Shepard Fairey as a past exhibitor. It's also seen high-profile buyers such as Joss Whedon, Judd Apatow, Seth Green and J.J. Abrams.
It seems the gallery is finding its niche with the cult theme. This annual exhibit is now in its fifth year, and recently its Venice location opened an exhibit based entirely on under-the-radar classic Wet Hot American Summer which, per the gallery, has seen a fair amount of success so far.
Now, a “Crazy 4 Cult” book has been released that features some of the gallery's favorite pieces from the last four years, and a foreword by Kevin Smith, no less. Throughout its pages, essentially every movie you've seen 1,000 times is represented. We were lucky enough to be sent a smattering of them, and have picked out our top 10 favorite cult-inspired pieces:
10) TRON
Credit: By Andrew Wilson
We're digging this old-school TRON scene complete with a Pong reference, and is that Daft Punk hanging out in the foreground?
9) A Clockwork Orange
Credit: By Nic Cowan
A bit of a role reversal here with a female Droog. Clearly she's recently hit the milk bar.
8) Fight Club
Credit: By N.C. Winters
This taps into Marla Singer's vulnerable side. You can tell by her locket she really did love that demented little Ed Norton.
7) The Goonies
Credit: By Dave Perillo
Goonies never say die! Even when playing board games.
6) The Wizard of Oz
Credit: By Marcus Schafer
This winged monkey has had a hard day at the office. His boss is a witch.
5) Pee Wee's Big Adventure
Credit: By Little Friends of Printmaking
In which Pee Wee proves that a snake's life is just as valuable as a puppy's and saves them from the burning pet shop. Then passes out.
4) Jaws, with Jay and Silent Bob from Mallrats
Credit: By Jeff McMillan
A cult move mashup piece of sorts, in which some people may be rooting for the shark. (However, we couldn't figure out who that face in the clouds is supposed to be. Any idea? Shout it out in the comments section.)
3) The Shining
Credit: By Kirk Demarais
An exceedingly creepy portrait for an exceedingly creepy movie. Danny knows something's up.
2) Back to the Future
Credit: By Jim Horwat
Marty really wreaked havoc on Hilldale, as you can see from this map/flowchart of his time traveling shenanigans. It all starts with Libya, of course.
1) Motley crew at the movies.
Credit: By Mike Mitchell
In which your favorite film heroes ditch their counterculture status and go see Avatar at the Arclight.
The Crazy 4 Cult art exhibit opens on Friday, July 8 at Gallery 1988's Melrose location, and runs until July 30. A book signing will take place on July 10 with a handful of artists available to sign copies.
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