If it was ever more evident that Street Fighter is a cultural icon, it was definitely at the Nucleus Gallery and Store in Alhambra last night for the Jab Strong Fierce Street Fighter Art exhibit. Who knew you could fill an art gallery dedicated to Street Fighter with hundreds of gallery patrons. Gamers, fans, and art snobs alike were treated with a night of tasteful art, wine and tournament gaming, all to celebrate our favorite hadouken throwing, lightning kickin’, bear wrastlin’ characters.
It’s one thing to see your favorite pixelated Street Fighter franchise evolve throughout the years with technology, but it’s another experience to see an artist’s interpretation of the beloved characters I grew up with. My favorite piece of the gallery is “The Red Cyclone” by Derek Yu. I can just imagine this piece menacingly staring at you in the halls of the Kremlin along side portaits of past Czars and Russian Leaders.
I also had the chance to catch up with Mike Ross, who recently finished 2nd in the Gamestop US Nationals, and John Rog — both Street Fighter IV pros. Among other things, I asked Mike Ross about Justin Wong getting in his face during recent matches.
You can still check out the gallery at the Nucleus in Alhambra from April 25, 2009 – May 11, 2009.
CrazyLikeCatfish
April 26th, 2009