Curators and owners of DKE Toys,Dov Kelemer and Sarah Jo Marks were looking for a way to draw attentionto their fledgling toy company. Their collective brainstorming landedthem into an army of 100 customized Darth Vader helmets that spannedfour years of coast to coast shows and across the ocean to Europe andJapan. The Vader Projecteven had a stint in the Andy Warhol museum where fans waited an hour inline to gain a peek at the innovative re-interpretations of one of thebest known villains in movie history.
The success of the showhinges not only on the sensational draw of its unique platform, but onthe re-imagining of the image of Darth Vader at the hands of well knownartists within the full spectrum of the visionary art movement. From aStatue of Liberty version to a Samurai helmet, the custom alterationscomment on politics, love, popular culture and war while retaining aquirky and fun appeal suitable for adult fans and kids alike. The showreached it’s final destination Saturday July 10 at Freeman’s Auction Housein Philadelphia, where the collection was finally severed and sold offto the highest bidders, where the work will gain a new context withinpersonal collections.
Curators Dov Kelemer & Sarah Jo Marks
Metropolis Gallery’s Angelo & artist Paul Romano
