Pop culture and fan conventions have evolved from small get-togethers into large cultural gatherings with business endeavors, where creators can share projects and merchandise. In their second annual Five Points Fest, Clutter Magazine have grown the art-centric festival into a celebration of the graffiti spirit. Taking place over the weekend of June 2nd-3rd at the Brooklyn Expo Center, Five Points Fest showcased a host of artists and styles.
The two day event gathered families, friends, fans, and collectors to peruse the dynamic lineup of counterculture artists and artisans from around the world. You could find comics, designer toys (including a neo-kaiju and sofubi section) street-art, vinyl, posters, prints, apparel and more. Sponsored by The Outer Spacemen and Lagunitas Brewing Company, gourmet food trucks and craft beer served the large outdoor patio space. In the comfy settings, visitors could grab a bite from the Gorilla Cheese truck while watching a session of local street-artists’ paint live.
There were renowned retailers and artists were in attendance, setting up booths for people to check out. Name’s like Huck Gee and his company Superplastic, (which launched after an incredibly successful Kickstarter), Instinctoy, Kidrobot, Ron English, and Mighty Jaxx were on the show floor. It was a true pleasure to meet the artists and teams behind these five eye-catching booths…
Jim McKenzie
This surrealist artist and animator stars and produces a quirky retro art show on youtube, Makin’ Things. Jim McKenzie had an array of stickers, pins, hand crafted resin sculptures and glossy prints. His imaginative characters like King Gordo, Raccoonicorn and The Scarecrow are a playful twist on nostalgic childhood fairytales.
Jim McKenzie: Website | Facebook | Instagram
Frank Ape
Brandon Sines is the illustrator behind the beloved character Frank Ape. Frank was created by accident in 2011. However, as Brandon continued to paint his charming Big Foot character, their acclaim has grown. Now, over five years later, Frank Ape has a loyal following and can be found painted, wheat pasted, worn and tattooed in NYC.
Frank Ape: Website | Facebook | Instagram
JCorp & Zukie Art
These two talented ladies are young but have already been made quite an impact in the art-toy world. Between colorful Zukies and JCorp’s Boonicorn in stickers, stuffed animals, enamel pins and apparel, they would make a colorful addition to any toy collection. JCorp also created a claw machine filled with mini Boonicorns, inviting passersbys to win their own.
JCorp: Website | Facebook | Instagram
Zukie Art: Website | Facebook | Instagram
The Sucklord
The Sucklord is a New York City Pop Artist and television personality known for his subversive action figure mashups and reality TV persona. Operating under the Brand SUCKADELIC, his Line of self-manufactured Bootleg Toys reimagine characters from other brands like STAR WARS, Vintage Advertising and all manner of pop culture trash. Packaged in layers of ironic self-mockery, he’s inspired an entire secondary Art movement, with dozens of entrepreneurial Toy Bootleggers creating their own versions of highly referential, low-rent interpretations of their favorite figures.
Sucklord: Website | Facebook | Instagram
13 Karat
Also in attendance was an artsy non-profit organization run by artist Nick C. Kirk, who curated a wonderful collection of street-art. His booth had an array of local and domestic artists such as Sandy Cohen, JCBK, Dirt Cobain and Outersource.
13 Karat: Website| Facebook | Instagram
Although some of the featured items at Five Points were exclusives and limited edition (and marked at a higher price point), the show offered a cool array of toys and collectibles in budget-friendly prices, as well as unique art pieces and vintage toys that were incredibly fun to browse.
