Well, well, well. When I think of Luke Chueh the very first thing that comes to mind is not necessarily provocateur, but perhaps things are changing in his work? Instead his work often evokes a greater temporal-ness, and are somewhat emotionally stoic and animated with a dark humor. This LA-based painter's work has a somewhat ongoing narrative that is fractured by its variants, a story of longing, of loss, of luck....and this is what makes him exciting. Simply have a look at his very nicely sorted archive and you'll get a strong flavor of his vision. Go Figure News has an interview planned for sometime after the dust settles from his upcoming exhibition at Rotofugi, so watch for his Headspace (Reboot) to cause a stir in the windy city in just a few weeks.
Today we are having a look at two of his latest creations, with the collaboration of producer, and wonderful shop/design temple, Munky King! First up, the "Bitch is Back" (sorta). Chueh's original BITCH is finally released to the public tomorrow - April 26th - and it's a whopper w/extra cheese so to speak (though it's not at all cheesy). The figure(s) comes in three parts, two wolves and "sheep's clothing" (the term of biblical origins). So let's have a look at this limited edition (500 pieces worldwide).
The box depicts Chueh's original painting and is done in a nice chalky matte grey finish. And when you open it up this is how the figure is set inside:
It just takes a minute or less to assemble the three together to form the figure as a whole. And, voila, as nature would have it! It's interesting to consider all the metaphors of what's going on in this "scene" outside the obvious. Wolves will be wolves. And needless to say the folks at Munky King along with the artist really pulled out all the stops for this incredible collectable. And it is work every cent of its asking price of $69! And tomorrow there is an additional offer that will allow collectors to get, for only $11 more, a combo set that would include a signed 8x10 archival giclee print.
The detailed paint on the top wolves face is "telling" and incredibly done - so simple and effective. The sheep is hollow and snuggly fits atop the bottom wolf who simply has one of those submissive poker faces, eyes simply dotted and both with a quality airbrush-style lighter gray on their chest/belly areas - almost a snowy effect. We very much highly recommend getting yourself a Bitch.
RATING
Sculpt: 10/10
Paint: 9.5/10
Design/Packaging: 9/10
Chueh's Hung piece is something completely different, and immediate. I so appreciate that they chose to do this in the mini size they did, the figure is a miniature at about 1.5" tall. But it carries a much greater weight and depth. The lil white bear dangles from a tiny noose and it comes in a pearly matte finished slide box which is elegant, almost a mini coffin in style.
The details are simple and effective - there are small sculpts in the tiny hands where there would be claws and the eyes and nose are a flat black on top of the hint of white satin finish. The dangle-effect is there with the very subtle gesticulation in the leg and knee area.
The vinyl figure has a clasp and is pristine and perfectly made, lightweight (with packaging it weighs about .5 ounce) and can be 'hung' anywhere really (smartphone case, backpack) or kept unboxed where it looks great! Though gone an extra step the makers decided to give a portion of the proceeds (and it's only 12 bux) to charities that prevent suicide stating "Suicide In Not A Joke". Based on a lovely and dark piece by the artist, the 6cm "rope" used reminds me of jute. It's not gorey, it's kinda cute and odd - an homage to the good ones we've lost perhaps?
RATING
a Perfect 10. Get one.