The Most Wanted Crew : Behind The Hype

Welcome to the blog spot for all things related to The Most Wanted Crew; An artist collective created by Tim Munz, Igor Ventura, and Manny Rivas, featuring some of the most sought after up and coming artists and customizers from around the globe. Feel free to check out our online shop for original artwork and customs from some of our many talented artists. Thank you for checking us out and we hope you come back often to see what's new in the world of The MW Crew.

Monday, August 6, 2012

CHICA TERREMOTO IS SHAKING THINGS UP!

Chica Terremoto pictured at our "Behind The Hype" show at 1AM gallery

Los Angeles native Carla Gomez, aka Chica Terremoto, has quickly made a name for herself after showcasing her very first custom vinyl figure (which is now in the hands of a collector) at the "Most Wanted: Behind The Hype" show back in May of this year. Although she is hardly new to the art game in general, she is just kicking things off in the custom toy scene and is definitely someone to follow. Blending classic tattoo styles (she's just as talented with a needle as she is with a brush) with a beautiful vintage wash and a perfect balance of bright vibrant colors, she's created a style all her own that is sure to capture the attention of anyone who comes across her work.

"Perdoname", her first 8" custom Dunny

Using acrylics, a mini tattoo gun accessory and a great sense of humor (take a close look at all the miniature tattoos), "Perdoname" pays tribute to her passion for tattooing, and the slight "bumps" it's created for her along the way. Based off of an earlier ink and water color piece of hers titled "Perdoname Madre Por Tatuar", which translates to "Forgive me Mother for tattooing", you can see how Chica Terremoto has truly brought this amazing work of art to life.

"Perdoname Madre Por Tatuar" ink and watercolor on paper

In the process of recreating "Perdoname" onto the popular 3D canvas, Chica Terremoto has gained what can only be described as a deep respect for all the customizers out there who do this day in and day out. But don't take my word for it, this is what she had to say:

"I have tremendous respect for those who are capable of achieving extremely detailed work on such a small scale and it is at this size that demands us to look closely. There is no way to appreciate these pieces from afar, for each one holds an intimate, visual story for someone to read. These toys also call for actual, hands-on work which is something I feel is getting pushed aside as our dependency on digital media and technology increase. I see the beauty in imperfection and not having EXACT replicas."

I couldn't have said it better myself! Be sure to check out her extensive portfolio on her website HERE. And keep an eye out for a mini series of 3" Dunnys she plans on starting soon in continuation to her "Perdoname" piece. I can already predict an instant sellout ;) But for those of you who can't wait, she is currently taking commissions so feel free to HIT US UP for more info and we'll get you in direct contact with the Chica herself!


The MW Crew



Saturday, July 21, 2012

"Behind The Hype: TAKE 2!"


Here's your second shot at a few pieces from the "Behind The Hype" show we held back in May at the 1AM gallery in San Francisco. The sale started yesterday at 12 noon PST on our online shop and will end at any given moment. And if that isn't enough to get you going, most pieces are well below their original retail price. That's right, it's like Christmas in July! So before you end up regretting it shoot on over to our shop and nab that piece you've been dreaming about this entire time. . .

The MW Crew

Monday, June 25, 2012

Most Wanted 3 Release Information & Updates!

The long wait is nearly over: this upcoming Saturday, June 30th, 2012 at 12 Noon PST, the majority of the remaining Most Wanted Series 3 blind boxes will be sold in our online store for $98 each (plus shipping). There will be a second, smaller release of only a handful of blind boxes on Monday, July 9th at 6PM PST, to accommodate any of our fans that might not be able to get online for the main drop.

Most Wanted Series 3 includes custom 3-inch Dunny figures by: Chauskoskis, Dr. Befa, Eric Pause/Pause Designs, Frank Mysterio, GomiGrimsheep, Igor Ventura, Kevin Gosselin, Luihz Unreal (pictured above)Matucha, MAp-MAp, NEVERCREW, Nikejerk, RunDMB, Ryan the Wheelbarrow, Sergio Mancini, and Tim Munz.


In addition to including the custom Dunny within each blind box, most will also include custom-made accessories, all will have artist cards, and Ryan the Wheelbarrow's pieces will also come with signed & numbered handmade silkscreened card-sized mini-prints. One lucky buyer will also find a Golden Ticket in their blind box, redeemable for a custom "Dunny" made by Gomi, and a second will find a Silver Ticket custom by Ryan the Wheelbarrow.


To reiterate, the $98 (shipping not included) Most Wanted Series 3 blind boxes will be released in our web shop (http://mwartistcollective.storenvy.com/) on Saturday, June 30th, 2012 at 12 Noon PST and on Monday, July 9th, 2012 at 6PM PST; if you're unsure of what this translates to in your local time, please use an online Time Zone Converter to help avoid disappointment.

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Most Wanted: Behind The Hype Gallery Show ~ Last call!


So the show is coming to a wrap with the last day being June 10th! 

It was so awesome to be able to attend and see everything in person and meet the people i did! Everything looked so amazing and the turnout was great.

There are still some incredible pieces up for grabs here. As usual with customs, the pictures don't do them justice, so if you see something you like, just know when you have it in hand you'll be even more smitten with the quality of work.

And don't forget about the Beautiful Print by Pause made exclusively for the show. This print is a great size at 18x24 and is absolutely gorgeous! Once i laid eyes on it i had to get one for myself. It is limited to only 20 pieces and has a price tag of only $50!


A huge thank you to 1am Gallery, everyone who attended, those who purchased some brilliant art, and all who support the Most Wanted crew and artist collective. Cheers!

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Most Wanted Series 3 Red Mutuca Reveals!

 From the Red Mutuca Site:

It's time to finally reveal what the brazilian folks from the Red Mutuca team has created for the third installment of the Most Wanted Series.
Luihz Unreal has taken the 8-bit love to another level with his "Gamerboy", with his usual sense of humour and cartoony design.

Featuring a dark color pallet with pink highlights and a retro look, Sergio Mancini has created "Paperboy", announcing good news in the art toy world.
"Pyromaniac Puppet" is the design created by Igor Ventura. Some people likes to play with fire, but that can be a very dangerous habit for someone made of wood!
 
 
They will be on display at the Most Wanted: Behind the Hype show at 1AM gallery in San Francisco, along with all the other pieces from Most Wanted series 3 and (thanks to a private collector) series 2.
 

Monday, April 30, 2012


MOST WANTED : BEHIND THE HYPE

Well, unless you haven't been following us through our twitter, facebook, or the original Kidrobot thread (shame on you btw), then you know that our very first official Most Wanted show is just under two weeks away! Besides all the insane amounts of excitement all of us here at MW are feeling, we're working our asses off to make sure this show is something you soon won't forget! For you lucky fans in the Bay area, and for those of you who are actually flying down (you guys are f@#$ing amazing!) for opening night, we hope to see you guys there bright and early. Just kidding, the show isn't till 6:30pm so please don't show up at 6:30am, I'd feel like a major "A Hole" if you did. So until then, checkout the press release from 1AM gallery and prepare yourselves for one hell-of-a show!


"1AM, with curators Manny Rivas and James Brown, are proud to present “Most Wanted: Behind the Hype”,  a toy vinyl show featuring the best customizers in the game.  More than 25 artists were given Kidrobot platforms to showcase their creativity and skills.  Without any specific theme to address, everyone is pushing the boundaries of their own unique style.  The opening reception is on Friday, May 11th, 2012 from 6:30 to 9:30pm and will run through June 10th, 2012.
The Most Wanted” (MW) is an artist collective that started in 2009 and created by Tim Munz, Igor Ventura, and Manny Rivas.  It is a custom Dunny series that pays homage to Kidrobot and their classic blind box series.  Bringing together a huge collective of talent from across the globe, MW1 and its’ predecessor, MW2, were instant successes with both series selling out in a matter of seconds.  Despite the continuing success of the collection, the founders’ goal remains the same: find and showcase the most competent up-and-comers in the scene and spread their talent across the globe.  One of the best ways to do that is to exhibit the incredible works at art galleries.
The “Most Wanted: Behind The Hype” show has no particular theme to limit the artists’ imagination.  Manny and James wanted everyone to bring their own distinctive styles to the table and present them on the most popular platforms out there, KidRobot’s Munnys and Dunnys. The focus of this exhibit is to display the true talent and passion that lies behind the hype.  What is the hype? Join us at the opening reception on Friday, May 11th and find out!"

The artist line-up:

Ian Ziobrowski Nugglife Candy Shop

Check out one of Ian Ziobrowski's newest custom creations, the Nugglife Candy Shop!
 
Welcome to the Nugglife candy shop, the home for best sweets in town. It's location remains confidential, but if you ask the right person, you just might be able to enjoy it yourself. With a fine selection of spaced out sweets, getting home might be the most difficult part.

Standing about 9 inches tall this Element custom was created for the Candy Coated Show in NYC.

This piece is still up for grabs at Tenacious Toys here