The above image is a piece I did for the Year of the Tiger show at GR2. The weird coloration of the tiger might be familiar to you, because the tiger is "Cringer" from the
Masters of the Universe cartoon series from the 80's. The panther in the drawing is his evil counterpart, "Panthor". In the cartoon, Cringer was a talking tiger and the ultimate coward. When he was shot by a lazer beam which bestowed upon him a "Power", he became "Battle-Cat" and donned a helmet and a saddle and was aggressive and brave, however he seemed to lose the ability to speak. I wanted to depict Cringer without the helmet and saddle, because I was always bothered by the sublimation of Cringer's intelligence, independence, and identity at the hands of his master. In the scene above Cringer is Cringer, and he has held onto his ego, for better or for worse, and has harnessed his inner power which comes from his love for his friends. No lazers required.
The show opens tonight (sorry for the late notice, my blog was broken). See the press release below:
Group art show opening Year of the Tiger at GR2 February 13, 2010 - March 10, 2010 Reception: Saturday, February 13, 6:30 -10:00 GR2 2062 Sawtelle Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90025 gr2.net (310) 445-9276 Giant Robot is proud to host Year of the Tiger, a group art show celebrating year 4708 on the lunar calendar. Pieces will include illustration, oils, pencils, prints, watercolor, sculpture, and other media - all dedicated one of the most powerful but also most sensitive animal in the Chinese zodiac.
