Right, so I almost spaced on this since I’ve been so busy trying to get my shit together.

Very few of you likely remember this, but I did an interview a good while ago for ikimashou with a man who is easily the most talented translator working today (I am an authority on such things). His name is David Ury and I’m always happy to do what I can to help out such a talented guy (or I could do like on TV and call him a friend of the site. Yeaaah, not too creepy or presumptuous if he ends up reading this. Alright.), or in this case, his twin brother Ken Tanaka.

Ken’s going to be having an art exhibit in my neck of the woods pretty soon. Being the lover of fine art that I am and having seen some of Ken’s art, I had to let you guys know. You have to see Hopey the Hopeful Giraffe. It’s… it’s maybe the best thing painted this decade. Possibly this century.

Right, so here are some links and information so you guys can get yourselves acquainted with who Ken Tanaka is and his story and all that jazz.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awiW8UC3CWY – This is Ken’s intro video, explaining what’s up. (Short version: He was adopted and raised in Japan)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_CnhnnGI5uM – Ken goes in search of his birth father.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NO5FSDHIleA – Ken finds David, who needs a shave. Really I’m just jealous he can grow a better looking beard than me.

And that’s about it for explaining who he is. There’s some fantastic material on there (and oh man is Remi February a pretty lady.) I recommend checking out the Japanese language lessons.

Anyway, let’s get down to the art show. Firstly, it’s FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. That’s important for jobless fucks like me.

It’s going to be at the Billy Shire Gallery, which is in Culver City, California. Specifically:

Billy Shire Fine Arts
5790 Washington Blvd.
Culver City, CA 90232
Exhibition: April 11, 2009 – May 2, 2009
Opening Reception: Saturday, April 11th, 7-10 pm
(Google Maps)

Ken Tanaka’s work will be on display along with some other amazing artists. NAMELY: David Mack (creator of Kabuki, done some fucking amazing work on Daredevil), Mari Araki (she’s working on a graphic novel called Tina’s Mouth), Kozyndan (who has done some wonderful indie album covers), and I believe Remi February will have some art there as well. She has some lovely ink on paper stuff, but I’m not sure if that’ll be on display or her digital stuff or photography… or all of it.

Anyway, I am planning to go for sure and hang around and check out the installation. Anyone who’s in southern California, I hope you take the opportunity to go there and check out some great artwork.