• Exhibit extended to Saturday, December 6th, 2003. •

F.I.N. Arts is proud to present the Pictoplasma Art Exhibit: An exhibition of contemporary character design and art.

Whether they appear as painted stones, smiling houses, Nick Park-like clay
figures or classical cartoons, characters are still the best way to create
visuals with which one can identify.

Peter Thaler has built upon the success of Pictoplasma, one of Die Gestalten Verlag's best-selling book titles of all time. Avoiding the lure of creating a
straightforward sequel or the simple repetition of his winning formula, he
has once again distilled a fine selection of first-rate works from over
9,000 entries.

While the traditional role of these loveable icons as commercial branding
tools remains important, "Pictoplasma 2" also touches on the vital new
design impulses that have enriched the picto realm during the last few
years. More and more often, designers are taking their favorites from the
drawing board and computer to the streets as customized objects, urban art
and graffiti. Parallel to an overall trend to shake off the shackles of two
dimensions, even more of Thaler's selections have made the jump into the
third dimension. For example, cute to grotesque action figures, which are
increasingly coveted by adult collectors, are spread across the pages in
perfect harmony with traditional graphic design and illustrations by both
talented newcomers and stars like Peter Fowler.

No matter if it's scribbles, freehand or vector designs, puppets, street art
or abstraction: the prime focus of "Pictoplasma 2" remains the development
of interesting character ideas and the fertile exchange between different
styles and media.

To celebrate the United States book release of Pictoplasma 2, F.I.N. Arts is hosting the one-month art exhibition curated by Peter Thaler and Love Ablan of selected character-related works from some of the participating book artists. Rarely has there been such a unique confluence of art and culture, showcasing such innovative character designers and artists in a four-week exhibit which will be kick-started by the opening reception party.

Opening Reception:
November 5th, 2003 from 6 - 9 PM at F.I.N. Arts

Reception After Party:
November 5th, 2003 from 10PM - 12AM at Remote Lounge

RELATED WEBSITES :

• Pictoplasma.com

• Die Gestalten Verlag

• Order Pictoplasma 1 and 2 at Amazon.com

EXHIBIT SPONSORS :

• Zern Associates Inc.
• Die Gestalten Verlag
• PixelBlocks
• F.I.N. Arts
• Remote Lounge
• THNGK

BOOK DETAILS:

Pictoplasma 2   
By Peter Thaler
Edited by R. Klanten, N. Bourquin
Published by Die Gestalten Verlag
216 pages
24 x 30 cm
Price: $50.00
ISBN: 3-89955-021-8
Full color, special padded hard cover.