If you've never heard of The Vader Project, the idea began in 2005 and the first exhibit took place in 2007. Since then, it has continued annually. Each year, various artists are asked to customize a 1:1 scale authentic prop replica of the actual Darth Vader helmet featured in the STAR WARS™ films.
above helmet for 2010 Vader Project by Plasticgod
This summer, 2010, the following 100 talented artists are participating in the project:
Josh Agle (Shag), Troy Alders, Kii Arens, Attaboy, Anthony Ausgang, Axis, Aye Jay, Gary Baseman, Andrew Bell, Tim Biskup, Mark Bodnar, BXH HIKARU, Andrew Brandou, Buff Monster, Mister Cartoon, Chino, Mr. Clement, Robbie Conal, CRASH, Steven Daily, Dalek, Dehara, DGPH, Cam de Leon, Devilrobots, Yoko d'Holbachie, Bob Dob, Tristan Eaton & Azk One - Thunderdog Studios, Marc Ecko, Eelus, Ron English, FERG, David Flores, Brian Flynn - Hybrid Design, Paul Frank, Gargamel, Huck Gee, Fawn Gehweiler, Mike Giant, Girls Drawin Girls, Dan Goodsell, Gris Grimly, Joe Hahn, Haze XXL, Jesse Hernandez, Derek Hess, Itokin Park, Jeremyville, kaNO, Mori Katsura - RealxHead, Sun-MinKim & David Horvath, Jim Koch, Frank Kozik, David S. Krys - DSK Designs, Peter Kuper, Wade Lageose - Lageose Design, Joe Ledbetter, Simone Legno - Tokidoki, MAD, Mad Barbarians, Madtwiinz, Marka27, Mars-1, Bill McMullen, Melvins, Mori Chack, Brian Morris, Nanospore, Niagara, Mitch O'Connell, olive47, Martin Ontiveros, Estevan Oriol, Alex Pardee, The Pizz, Plasticgod, PlaysKewl, Dave Pressler, Ragnar, Jermaine Rogers, Erick Scarecrow, Secret Base, J. Otto Seibold, Sket-One, Shawn Smith, Winston Smith, Jeff Soto, Damon Soule, Bwana Spoons, Jophen Stein, Suckadelic, T9G, Gary Taxali, Cameron Tiede, Touma, UrbanMedium, Usugrow, Michelle Valigura, VanBeater, Amanda Visell.
And I have an early look at some of the amazing designs that will be included in the exhibit and auction for you:
press release:
This summer, The Vader Project launches the final chapter of its four-year art odyssey. The iconic collection features 100 Darth Vader Helmets re-imagined by today’s most notable artists. Completing its epic world tour, The Vader Project returns to Los Angeles in June for a special ten-day exhibition in Hollywood as a preview to the upcoming Freeman’s Auction in Philadelphia.
The Los Angeles Preview Exhibition is free to the public with an opening reception on June 11 from 6-10pm. On June 12, the space will present a catalog signing event with over 20 participating artists in attendance beginning at 2pm on June 12. The Los Angeles Preview Exhibition will be open June 12-20 daily from Noon to 6pm.
In July, The Vader Project travels to Freeman’s Auctioneers and Appraisers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for the final opportunity to view the helmets in person before they are sold at auction. “The result is astounding” said Simeon Lipman, Pop Culture Specialist at Freeman’s. “The sale will give members of the public the chance to purchase unique artworks made from these iconic symbols of the movie industry by a number of well known artists including Shag, Marc Ecko, Tim Biskup, Frank Kozik and many more.”
The Freeman’s Auction will take place July 10, 2010 at Freeman’s Auction House in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania preceded by a 5-day exhibition there July 5-9.
The Auction catalog is a large 200 page comprehensive book that features highly detailed photos of all the helmets from every angle. You can pre-order a catalog of The Vader Project here.
Here's a peek at a few of the pages from the Freeman's Auction catalog:
Collectors and art connoisseurs worldwide will have the opportunity to bid online at Freeman’s website. Most bidding will begin at $1,500. For more information about how to participate in the auction, please visit “How to Buy at Auction” at www.freemansauction.com/buying.asp.
Curated and produced by Dov Kelemer and Sarah Jo Marks of DKE Toys, The Vader Project features 100 of the best underground artists and designers working today. “From a simple idea in 2005 to a record-setting exhibition in 2009, it’s time for our child to venture forth into the world,” Kelemer and Marks said. “We are pleased to have partnered with Freeman’s to make these fine pieces of art available to the public for the first time.”
This auction is not sponsored or endorsed by Lucasfilm Ltd., and has no relationship with Lucasfilm. Star Wars and all related intellectual property is © or ® 2010 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All rights reserved.
All images and info courtesy of The Vader Project and Charm School Marketing