What happens when a group of highly regarded contemporary artists design a Star Wars stormtrooper helmet? A lot of money is raised for the Missing Tom Fund, and several geeks are admitted to hospital for excessive onanism.
Damien Hirst, David Bailey, D*Face and Yinka Shonibare are among a select squad of artists who have transformed a helmet from Andrew Ainsworth, original prop maker on Star Wars: A New Hope and designer of the now iconic stormtrooper uniforms. Ben Moore of Art Below put Art Wars together in aid of Missing People after the disappearance of his brother Tom 10 years ago. Some of the helmets will go under the hammer at Christie’s in February next year, and the money raised will aid the search for Tom.
Art Wars will be unveiled at the inaugural STRARTA Art Fair as part of the curated spaces programme on the top floor of the Saatchi Gallery on Kings Road, London – tickets are available for the gala launch on 9 October before the event opens to the public between 10 and 13 October. There’s also a month-long billboard event at Regent’s Park underground station using a free app from Erin Ko.
If you fancy having a go at customising a helmet, or want a pretty spectacular fancy-dress costume, Ainsworth produces authentic replica Star Wars costumes using the original moulds for Shepperton Design Studios.
Mr Brainwash
Acrylic Capped ABS Storm Trooper head
by Mr Brainwash. 2013.
Signed by Mr Brainwash and Andrew Ainsworth.
Image: Bran Symondson
Hayden Kays
May the fork be with you, 2013
Acrylic Capped ABS Storm Trooper head with garden fork.
Signed by Hayden Kays and Andrew Ainsworth.
Image: Bran Symondson
Inkie
Acrylic Capped ABS Storm Trooper head
painted by Inkie. 2013.
Signed by Inkie and Andrew Ainsworth.
Image: Bran Symondson
Yinka Shonibare
iPod Invader, 2013
Courtesy: Art Wars
Mat Collishaw
Star F*cker, 2013.
C-Type print
Photographic framed print (1 meter x 1.5 meter)
Damien Hirst
Spot Painted Art Wars Stormtrooper Helmet, 2013
Household gloss on Stormtrooper helmet
12.2 x 12.2 x 12.8 in (310 x 310 x 325 mm)
Photographed by Prudence Cuming Associates
© Damien Hirst and Science Ltd.
All rights reserved, DACS 2013
David Bailey
Acrylic Capped ABS Storm Trooper head painted
by David Bailey. © David Bailey 2013
Signed by David Bailey and Andrew Ainsworth.
Image: Bran Symondson
Jason Brooks
Ayrton, 2013
Acrylic Capped ABS Storm Trooper head by Jason Brooks.
Paint/Polycarbonate and Fixings.
Signed by Jason Brooks and Andrew Ainsworth.
Image: Bran Symondson
Bran Symondson
‘Dark Side of the Dollar’
Acrylic capped ABS Stormtrooper head,
replicated dollar bills.
Image: Bran Symondson
Joana Vasconcelos
Crochet Vader, 2013
Acrylic capped ABS Stormtrooper head, Azores crocheted lace
31 x 33 x 35 cm
© Unidade Infinita Projectos.
Signed by Joana Vasconcelos and Andrew Ainsworth.
Antony Micallef
Peace Maker, 2013
Acrylic Capped ABS Storm Trooper head
painted by Antony Micallef.
Signed by Antony Micallef and Andrew Ainsworth.
Image: Bran Symondson
Andrew Ainsworth
Glimmer of New Hope, 2013
Acrylic Capped ABS Storm Trooper head
by Andrew Ainsworth.
Signed by Andrew Ainsworth.
Courtesy of Shepperton Design Studios
