*ON SITE* Arbito Solo Show at Super7

97% of the time, I find teasers irritating. Even the word "teaser" is kind of annoying. I bet if you like rollercoasters, you love teasers. But back to that 3%. Last month, Arbito blogged a mosaic teaser, and because I possess the same fictional technology they use on CSI, I was able to deduce that 1) It was Patty Power and 2) It was going to be green. This filled me with an exceptional joy, perhaps equivalent to that of a rollercoaster. So, it was like a loop without vomit when I found out that these green Pattys were for a solo show at San Francisco's own Super7. It's really nice when things all come together.

Arbito (aka Jesse Hibert) created an edition of 10 hand-painted Patty Power resin figures in translucent green with purple and blue for Friday night's opening. He also brought several one-off Patty editions, including a striking blue colorway. While I assumed that The Hobo was probably the "homecoming king" of Jesse's ramshackle resin gang, it is in fact The Seeker who is the most popular. Looking at the three Seekers (I spied a fourth in the Super7 backroom...), you can see why (though I personally pledge allegiance to Patty Power, myself). Jesse humbly explained that he's not really doing anything different; that it's quite possible to read up on resin-casting online, and it's merely his paint that distinguishes him. While I agree that the paint application certainly stands out, I think great characters and consistent technique put Arbito at the forefront of the resin movement. Be sure to CLICK THROUGH for a photo slide show from the event!

You can see 60s/70s psychedelia in Jesse's work, particularly his paintings and prints. But to label it as such would do it a disservice. Throw in touches of surrealism, comic and poster art and growing up in the 80s and you might start to get the picture. I think a common sentiment among the crowd was something to the effect of, "These don't look like anything else I collect, but I love them." If you love them too, you should give Super7 a call ASAP. Patty Power is probably the most difficult sculpture of the gang, and seeing it in person, you'll really appreciate that fact. Each of the 10 Pattys comes in a stenciled box with an exclusive print in which Patty is melting into the Super7 logo. The 5.5-inch series is going for $100 each, with the one-off Patty and Seeker figures priced at $150. Check out Patty plaques, paintings and more in these photos and at Super7 now. Oh, and sorry folks but the sur-prize original ink on vellum Patty is spoken for :)

[Sidenote 1: What's with those Hiberts anyway? There is definitely an aesthetic (and support system) shared among the brothers (see also Oliver and Spencer). Someone ought to 23andMe these guys and see if they've got neon in their DNA...]

[Sidenote 2: Yes, that is Super7's own Josh Herbolsheimer, a behind-the-scenes Mummy Boy colorway and a customized Rose Vampire!]
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Jeremy Brautman
Freelance Toy Journalist

http://www.twitter.com/jeremyriad
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