In commemoration of the 70th anniversary, Warner Brothers Consumer Products commissioned 14 of the hottest names in contemporary art to create interpretive works for the Inspirations of Oz Fine Art Collection. Imagination took flight with subjects ranging from profound to humorous and all submissions were striking in their own right. Each artist applied their signature techniques and unique insights to instill more depth to familiar characters.
(see art under news and events - special projects 2009)
Marcus Antonius Jansen
E. Pluribus Unum
oil enamel collage on canvas
(look under paintings 2009)
Johnny Johns
Il Mago di Oz
acrylic paint on cotton canvas
William Joyce
Where Happy Little Bluebirds Fly, Winged Monkeys Sit Nearby
oil on clay board
Joel Nakamura
Tin Man's Dream
polymer and resin on metal
Nelson De La Nuez
Ditching Dorothy
mixed media using acrylic paints, watercolors, and oil pastels on canvas
Glen Orbik
Emerald Beauties
oil on bristol board
Ragnar
Girl From Kansas (aka Vanquished The piece was given the more Oz friendly name for the purposes of the Inspirations of Oz Fine Art Collection)
Alex Ross My Pretties
gouache on bristol board
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The Inspirations of Oz Fine Art Collection debuted to much acclaim at the famed Art Basel Miami Beach show where it was displayed alongside The Ruby Slipper Collection and Gentle Giant busts. The collection traveled to Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and finally to New York for the 70th anniversary gala celebration. Pieces from Romero Britto, Angelo Aversa, Todd White, Nelson De La Nuez, and Yakovetic were auctioned to benefit the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric Aids Foundation.
Several pieces from the collection were featured on 70th anniversary limited edition postage stamps with a portion of the proceeds going to the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric Aids Foundation. Stamps are available here.
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In addition to their Inspirations of Oz pieces, Nelson De La Nuez, Todd White, and Yakovetic have created more Oz works and made them available to art collectors and Oz enthusiasts. Yakovetic’s art can be purchased in Ozzy frames embellished with ruby slippers and flying monkeys.
Yakovetic is set to unveil two more Oz titles, Inside the Cyclone and In Tune with the Infinite, at the Twin Oaks Gallery’s Hollywood 1939 art show featuring art inspired by Gone with the Wind and The Wizard of Oz on May 1st. Special guests for the opening reception are Ann Rutherford and Roger Baum.
More to come from the "shadowed" world of Yakovetic. Please stay tuned......
Inspirations of Oz Fine Art Collection scans courtesy of Joe Yakovetic
Special thanks to Joe Yakovetic, Gabe Copp, and Lou Berrillo
Inspirations of Oz Fine Art Collection TM & © Turner Entertainment Co.