In a world where oversized emoji and catchy neon signs pass as "art," ceci n'est pas your formulaic (and dare we say cheesy) Instagram wonderland. Starting this weekend, the pie-loving artists and pin makers behind Pizzaboyzzz and Bloody Gums Collective are taking over Think Tank Gallery in Downtown with Nothing Cheezy, a tongue-in-cheek art installation inspired by all things pizza. The show officially debuts this Saturday, July 20 with a grand opening pizza party, of course.
Running through August 25, the show will include an open-to-the-public art gallery showcasing works from local and independent artists. It'll also house a ticketed "self-aware selfie tour" featuring 12 fromage-focused rooms that will include "Godzilla-scale pizza cities, evil pepperoni monsters, anime-obsessed and interactive '90s teenage boys rooms," and more — all dreamed up by Abars, Anta52, Baker's Son (remember his oversized popsicles at the Museum of Ice Cream?), Berk Visual, Butch Von Dreaux, Cheap Slasher Films, Deladeso, Future Fantasy Delight (who's part of the George R.R. Martin-approved art collective Meow Wolf), Isa Beniston, Nina Palomba, Tofu, and Utopia US.
In addition to featuring a rotating lineup of events, space will also highlight a local pizzeria each week — meaning salivating guests will be rewarded for their patronage with a cheesy slice and beer (along with a limited edition pin) in the Balloonski-designed Pizza Heaven at the end. As if that wasn't enough, pie enthusiasts can also exit through the exhibit's kitchen doors and see real pizza dough spinning in action. (Hey vegans — there'll be plenty for you, too.)
As far as tickets, single-day timed admission is $18 to $25, unlimited entry during the entire run for two people is $50 to $100 (you'll get bonuses like limited edition pins), and there's even a Think Tank Gallery membership option for $250 with plenty more perks.
Oh, and about this Saturday's late-night soirée: From 7 p.m. to 1 a.m., attendees can get the first look at the exhibit before it opens to the public the following day, then dance all of those cheesy calories off to the tune of live music and DJs. The opening is pay-what-you-can (there's a suggested donation of $5 to $10) to ensure that dough still goes to the artists, or you can fork up $22 and enjoy freebies like pizza, swag, and more.
Hungry? Get all of the details and buy tickets to the grand opening bash here and buy general admission and ticket combo packs in advance here.
Think Tank Gallery & Showroom, 516 E 4th St., L.A., 90013
