Disney unveiled series 2 of their Bloc28 project last night (11.12) with a VIP opening @ the Continental Gallery in downtown Los Angeles.  Bloc28 is a collaborative project which brings together noted street and urban artists to envision Disney’s #1 icon, Mickey Mouse.  Dailydujour attended the opening and we brought back an eye-jarring number of pics from the reception which we’ve posted here after the jump.

After last year’s inaugural run, interest in the project is running high.  The party drew large numbers of artists, VIPs and hipsters  to the downtown spot to see the new limited-edition product and original source art from  Chaz Bojorquez (above), Rime, Ewok, Aroe, Suiko and Tenga.

In keeping with the urban crossover feel, the original six art pieces used to create the Bloc28 product were hung by wires through out the space which features brick walls, girders, and exposed pipe.   Tenga’s Toy House Mouse reinterpretation of Mickey was singled out by many as their favorite piece – the whimsical painting  has an almost 3D animation feel to it.  Five of the six Bloc28 Series 2 paintings  are available as limited-edition prints from Disney Fine Art.  Each is an edition of 28(naturally).  Complimenting the display of the Series 2 art was a nice gallery-style display of the original art created by the Series 1 project artists.

The large industrial interior of the gallery served as a strong backdrop for the unveiling of the project’s second series.  A huge video screen high above the crowd alternated through various clips including video of last year’s Bloc28 debut party, Runaway Brain and more.

The new  limited-edition Bloc28 product was featured throughout the gallery.  The  six New Era caps by each artist were in clear cases atop tagged pedestals. The Tees were displayed in dramatic fashion against the back wall suspended by wire and back lit for effect. In addition to the apparel, Bloc28 Series 2 features two original art toys by Japanese artists Tenga and Suiko which are in production from MINDstyle.

The evening was not just about partying and the latest in urban lifestyle.  It also kicked off an important charitable effort.  Disney is auctioning several special items to benefit Artshare Los Angeles, a community organization which uses the power of art to educate and develop the city’s youth. Auction items include several Washburn guitars customized by the Bloc28 artists, hand-painted New Era hats, jewelry by Han Cholo, paint masters of both Tenga and Suiko’s  Bloc28 toys from MINDstyle, a special Bloc28 BMX bike from Nemesis Project and more. The eBay auction started on November 10th and runs through the 20th.

With the second Bloc28 series, Disney continues  to show a strong interest in keeping their brand relevant and cool by blending their classic cartoon characters with the ever-increasing popularity of leading graffiti artists.  The Bloc28 exhibition continues through Sunday, November 16th @ The Continental Gallery.

The Continental Gallery
408 South Spring St.
Los Angeles, CA 90013