The College of Arts and Letters at University of Tampa presents:
VARIATIONS: Collect Them All!
Exhibition runs: September 30th - October 20th
Ferman Center Practice Gallery (2nd Floor)
214 North Boulevard, Tampa, Florida
VARIATIONS: Collect Them All!
Exhibition runs: September 30th - October 20th
Ferman Center Practice Gallery (2nd Floor)
214 North Boulevard, Tampa, Florida
Since the dawn of action figures, there have been variants. From the humble beginnings of paper fashion dolls, to multi billion dollar action figure producers, the idea of reusing molds and slapping a different coat of paint to sell the same product has been applied for decades.
At their worst, variants can be easy cash grabs, re-paintings and re use. Variants can create an unhealthy standard for completionists to purchase the same thing over and over again due to a slightly different color, defect, different accessory, or holographic card backing. The necessity to complete a collection drive many to financial ruin and madness.
At their best, variants can open a world of creativity, inspire new and exciting ideas, and grow an entire universe. Variants can allow artisans expressions there were previously not space for, such as new characters, costumes, or story lines. Variation in toy lines can inspire creativity in those that collect and play with them, and continue to have a positive effect long after they’re gone.
For this exhibition, artist and rabid toy collector John Guarneri explores the duality behind the concept and execution of variants, and showcases how the best and worst elements of them can exist in conjunction with each other. Guarneri explores some of the most well known types of figure variants, as well as the more rare and obscure. These groups of figures are characterized by their variations in materials and methods used for each set.
Guarneri continues to explore new and exciting media to execute his visions. The throughline of comic book imagery in his works connects back to his creative foundations. In addition, by using irony, cynicism, humor, and levity, he activates the viewer's consciousness of individuality.
At their worst, variants can be easy cash grabs, re-paintings and re use. Variants can create an unhealthy standard for completionists to purchase the same thing over and over again due to a slightly different color, defect, different accessory, or holographic card backing. The necessity to complete a collection drive many to financial ruin and madness.
At their best, variants can open a world of creativity, inspire new and exciting ideas, and grow an entire universe. Variants can allow artisans expressions there were previously not space for, such as new characters, costumes, or story lines. Variation in toy lines can inspire creativity in those that collect and play with them, and continue to have a positive effect long after they’re gone.
For this exhibition, artist and rabid toy collector John Guarneri explores the duality behind the concept and execution of variants, and showcases how the best and worst elements of them can exist in conjunction with each other. Guarneri explores some of the most well known types of figure variants, as well as the more rare and obscure. These groups of figures are characterized by their variations in materials and methods used for each set.
Guarneri continues to explore new and exciting media to execute his visions. The throughline of comic book imagery in his works connects back to his creative foundations. In addition, by using irony, cynicism, humor, and levity, he activates the viewer's consciousness of individuality.