In 1976, Andrew Ainsworth the founder of Shepperton Design Studios, was asked to create the Imperial Stormtropper helmets and body armor for the original Star Wars films. Ainsworth's design has since become a pop culture icon, a creation so recognizable that it is arguably more iconic than classic pieces like the Eames Chair.
Ben Moore, the founder of the London-based public art enterprise Art Below, has teamed up with the charity Missing People to resurrect the Stormtrooper helmets for a charity art auction called "Art Wars." Moore has asked a group of artists, including, Damien Hirst, D*Face, Mr. Brainwash, David Bailey, and others, to channel the Dark Side for a good cause and create their own versions of the helmets.
Just like in George Lucas' epic films, it will be impossible to escape the "Art Wars" Stormtroopers. After the designs are unveiled at the Strarta Art Fair (venue Saatchi Gallery) in London on Oct. 9, they will also dominate the Regent’s Park Underground station billboards for four weeks duringFrieze London. Artist Erin Ko has also created an app for "Art Wars," which will let people explore the helmets in 3D.
When "Art Wars" is over, the helmets will be auctioned off to support the Missing Tom fund, an organization to raise money for Ben Moore's brother Tom who disappeared in 2003.
“I am excited about the potential of 'Art Wars' to raise awareness, not just for my brother Tom’s disappearance, but also for the Missing People Charity and the work they do day in and day out," Ben Moore is quoted saying in the press release. "I am very grateful to the participating artists for giving their time and energy to this project and really believe that with their support we will find Tom."
"Art Wars" will be on view at the Saatchi Gallery in London Oct. 3 - 13.
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[via The Guardian]
