A painting by artist Matthew Bone in the Krofft Super Art Show.
I’m pretty sure that most of our readers over the age of 40 are familiar with the work of Sid & Marty Krofft. The brothers were responsible for bringing strange, and sometimes psychedelic TV shows like H.R. Pufnstuf, The Banana Splits, and Sigmund and the Sea Monsters to the minds of impressionable kids back in the late 60s and early 70s. Now interpretations of the many colorful and weird TV characters the Krofft’s created for their television shows are on display at a show at the La La Land Gallery in Los Angeles.
The show opened late last month and featured work from over twenty artists including The Ren & Stimpy Show alumnus Chris Reccardi who had this to say about his childhood memories of H.R. Pufnstuf:
“It’s innocent.” People grow up, but I think the best people just grow layers around the child within them. Part of it is nostalgia, ‘Oh my gosh, this meant so much to me as a kid.’ I’ve worked in animation for 35 years and H.R. Pufnstuf—I’m not familiar with their other stuff—it’s a well-written show. Even though it’s pre-school, it’s not stupid.”
The various artistic expressions based on the characters created by the Krofft brothers that are featured in the show include paintings, three-dimensional works, and even a felt cereal box with H.R. Pufnstuf’s famous mug on it. If you’re in the Los Angeles area, I’d highly recommend taking in the fantastic-looking show as it runs through September 25th. Images that are currently hanging on the walls of the La La Land Gallery below can be seen below.
“AhSidAndMartyWanna” by Oliver Hibert.
“H.R. Puf’n'Puf” by Chris Reccardi.
“Banana Splits Drop Out” by Dawn Aquarius.
“Swirlies Cereal” by Snaggs. The back of the box is pictured below.
“Pufnstuf Parade” by Krista Perry.
“Sigmund” by Jesse Riggle.
“PUFNSTUF” by Edgar.
“PufNStuff” by Art of Chase.
“H.R. Pufnstuf, Jimmy & Freddy” by Arbito.
A contribution from La La Land’s own Kii Arens.
HT: Hi Fructose
Previously on Dangerous Minds:
Get out your bong, they’re bringing back H.R. Pufnstuf
The Banana Splits: Great opening credits of long forgotten kid’s shows, first in a series
Psychedelic Alpha-Bits TV commercials of the early 70s