Best of Oz 2009: Inspirations of Oz Fine Art Collection

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.

Angelo Aversa
Dream Oz
woodcut print using Kitakata paper and Charbonnel inks

Romero Britto
Yellow Brick Road
acrylic on canvas

(see art under news and events - special projects 2009)

Phillip Graffham
Father Oz
mixed media, beads, recycled objects

Gris Grimly
Anyplace But Home
acrylic on wood

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

Todd White
Bar Tales
oil on canvas

Yakovetic
Surrender Dorothy oil on canvas

Please enlarge photos for more detail




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 70^th 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 70^th anniversary limited edition postage stamps with a portion of the proceeds going to the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric Aids Foundation. Stamps are available here.

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 1^st. 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.