The Arty Side Of Star Wars: The Force Awakens

By Rory Switzer & Chris Barnes.

Unless you’ve been living in a galaxy far, far away, chances are you are aware that December 18 marked the release of a new chapter in arguably the most popular movie franchise in the history of filmmaking, Star Wars. The latest addition, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, comes some 38 years after the A New Hope and is destined to bring the timeless exploits of our favourite Jedis, bounty hunters, wookiees, Hutts, droids, ewoks and Sith lords to a new generation of young Padawans and a sense of nostalgia to longtime fans.

While the realm of sci-fi has long been considered the milieu of geeks and nerds, Star Wars has transversed the chasm between uncool and cool and with it, spawned a wealth of exposition that was once reserved for purveyors of the finer arts.

Gallery 1988 in Los Angeles held the first ever officially licensed Star Wars art exhibit in mid-November, with original paintings, drawings, sculptures and poster prints by some of today’s best modern artists from all over the galaxy. Particularly cool was Joshua Budich’s inkprint tying together story lines from The Empire Strikes Back and a set of adorably cool hand-painted Bounty Hunter Babushka dolls by artist Andy Stattmiller. The Force Awakens director JJ Abrams and producer Lawrence Kasdan were on hand to kick off the gallery and afterwards, all of the art pieces were put on eBay for bidding, with all proceeds going to UNICEF.

Often considered the epicenter of high art in the world, France is giving into “the dark side”. Espace Villeneuve – Bargemon at the Hotel de Ville in Marseilles is running their own Star Wars exposition, Star Wars – An Art Odyssey from December 3 – January 17. Featuring pop art (check out the amazing Yoda pop art print from Stephen Samsom), oils, prints, and silk screens from international artists, the expo will look to celebrate all things Lucasfilm. If you are lucky enough to be able to make the trip, may the force be with you, but for those that can’t, have a squiz at their website.

If you don’t see yourself flitting off to France over the holidays, fear not, the Silver K Gallery in Armadale, Victoria is featuring the largest collection of Star Wars themed fine art in Australia ever, with over 150 individual pieces on display from December 12, 2015 – March 6, 2016. All of the pieces are officially commissioned by Lucasfilms, so you know there’s no Bantha fodder amongst them *insert nerdy professor Frink noise*. The Gallery is highlighting a particularly beautiful set of images based on the new film, so it’s the perfect way to whet your appetite before catching the flick.

Love it or hate it, you cannot argue that Star Wars fever has caught firm hold and its “Force” in pop culture has never been stronger. With theatres booked out for nearly 2 months in advance, it’s never been a better time to put the culture in pop culture and go check out one of these amazing galleries.

Do. Or do not… There is no try.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens is showing at Event Cinemas.

Image: pio3 / Shutterstock.com