Mark your calendars for the 23rd of February through the 2nd of March, as The Doll House Gallery, nestled just above "This is Not A Toy Store" at 289 Lygon St, Brunswick East VIC 3057, proudly presents a new exhibition: "Smorfs"
For the exhibition, Shadowplay Creations have conceived and crafted and new sculpture called "Smorf or Die" taking the beloved Smurfs from the 80's and gives them a bold new twist, challenging the status quo while paying homage to the iconic characters we all know and love.
What sets "Smorf or Die" apart from your typical nostalgic homage is its daring fusion of whimsy, darkness, and heavy metal aesthetics.
Inspired by the mischievous charm of the Smurfs and their perpetual battle against the nefarious Gargamel, Shadowplay Creations have flipped the script and imagined a scenario where the Smurfs take matters into their own hands - quite literally. These Smorfs don their heavy metal armor and embark on a relentless quest for justice, wielding gardening tools with a ferocity that would make even the fiercest metalhead nod in approval.
The heart of the scene features two small Smurf figures: one clad in black, representing death, and the other in white, symbolizing life. The contrast between the two is stark yet intriguing, with the black Smorf brandishing a bloodied garden saw while the white Smorf tends to a garden teeming with life, where flowers bloom from the eye sockets of a buried skull. It's a whimsical yet thought-provoking exploration of the delicate balance between life and death, packaged in a visually arresting tableau.
But the experience doesn't stop there. Complementing the sculpture is a song by "Sarcastic Execution", available for download via Bandcamp. The lyrics, infused with the signature "la la las" of the Smurfs' theme song, offer a tongue-in-cheek narrative of Smorf resilience and rebellion, set to a backdrop of pounding metal riffs and thunderous drums.
La la la la la lah - Sing a happy song
La la la la la lah - Smorf the day along
Those evil humans will bother us no more,
'Coz we cut off their limbs 'and head' with a rusty garden saw!
Small but relentless; we won’t stop at any cost,
We bury all our enemies and use them as compost.
We like to dance, we like to sing, in our community,
And deliver punishment with raw brutality!
"Smorf or Die" invites viewers to delve beyond the surface and explore the layers of meaning hidden within its seemingly violent imagery. It's a celebration of creativity, rebellion, and the power of art to challenge perceptions and spark conversation.
So, whether you're a die-hard Smurfs fan, a metal enthusiast, or simply someone with an appreciation for the unexpected, don't miss your chance to experience "Smorfs" at The Doll House Gallery. Prepare to be mesmerized, amused, and perhaps even a little bit smorfed.