Once upon a time… or maybe twice, there was an unearthly paradise
called Pepperland, a place where happiness and music reigned supreme.
But all that was threatened when the terrible Blue Meanies declared war
and sent in their army led by a menacing Flying Glove to destroy all
that was good. Enter John, Paul, George and Ringo to save the day! Armed
with little more than their humor, songs, and of course, their yellow
submarine, The Beatles tackle the rough seas ahead in an effort to bring
down the evil forces of bluedom.
We’ll let that sink in for just a minute….”officially licensed“…..”Beatles“…..”Yellow Submarine“…..”ALEX….ROSS!” When we first got word on this one we had to read it twice before we really comprehended it. THEN, when we saw the image….we couldn’t WAIT to share it with the masses.
Unless you live under a rock you certainly know that The Beatles are considered by many to be THE most influential group in music history. Since forming in Liverpool in 1960, their music has been a driving force for a plethora of musicians including Ozzy Osbourne, Dave Grohl, Alice Cooper, Brian Wilson, Joey Ramone, Brian May, Noel Gallagher, and Joe Strummer to name just a few.
If there was an artist that is capable of taking your breath away with his incredible attention to detail and his stunning ability to capture human likeness, it would be Alex Ross. Ross’s work is legendary within the comic book world. Having worked with DC, Marvel, Image, and Dynamite Entertainment, he has turned in absolutely stunning work featuring some of the most iconic heroes and villains in the pop culture universe. Aside from this, Ross has also done impressive work with movie studios, video game companies, the Academy Awards, as well as album covers. His work is often compared to that of Norman Rockwell and among his influences are Bernie Wrightson, John Romita Sr., George Perez and Neal Adams. (Yes, we are ABSOLUTELY name dropping!)
There is SO much to be in awe at over this print that it’s almost hard to comprehend. Here is the official press release for this absolutely amazing release.
Dark Hall Mansion, working with Apple Corps Ltd and Bravado International, their North American licensing agent, will release Alex’s singular vision of the Beatles’ groundbreaking 1968 masterpiece, “Yellow Submarine.” Driven by the Beatles legendary music and inspired by the generation’s new trends in art, the film resides with the dazzling styles of Pop Art, yet it’s “Yellow Submarine’s” art direction and production design by Heinz Edelmann that most defined the film’s pioneering look, and it’s in this spirit of unique innovation and creativity that Alex Ross’s highly unusual take can best be appreciated.
Alex has often been referred to as ‘the Norman Rockwell of comics’ yet his “Yellow Submarine” piece reveals the similarly powerful influence of master surrealist Salvador Dali, whom Alex has also recognized as a guiding influence on his style. His Blue Meanies are a sight to behold as is his overarching composition that does justice to the sweep of this legendary animated classic. Alex has commented prior on the body of his career’s work noting, “Hopefully by painting the work, you gain a sense of life and believability that will draw the reader in a little more,” and this is dynamically manifest in his massive 6-foot original painting for the Beatle’s “Yellow Submarine.”
Alex has worked on countless high profile projects, legendary comic book characters, Hollywood studios, a print for the Academy Awards, and so much more but he is very well known at this stage of his career for taking on projects of personal relevance and resonance most of all, and it’s in this context that he enthusiastically accepted Dark Hall Mansion’s invitation to a Beatles project, being an enormous fan of the world’s most famous band. Let Alex’s words convey just what the Beatles personally means to him and how meaningful “Yellow Submarine” is as well:
“For as long as I can remember hearing music, I have loved the Beatles. Not only do I believe they are the greatest musical group of all time, but also one of the greatest things to have happened in human history. “Yellow Submarine” has also been one of my favorite films since I was six years old. The opportunity to work with the Beatles’ likenesses in the very inspired context of the “Yellow Submarine” film is an absolute dream come true. There is so much I love about these men, their legacy, and this film.”
It doesn’t get any more clear and his “Yellow Submarine” piece is all Alex. This is the first time Alex has ever done a Beatles project and he was given little constraint, so it’s safe to say all involved on the project, from LA to London, where shocked on receiving a note and attachment one day revealing a stunning 6-foot painting and just exactly how passionate Alex really was about this project! Please see some very special candid progress images of Alex’s piece in development for DHM, attached, each showing him at work on the original painting in his private studio. We’re certain you’ll be impressed!
DHM’s Alex Ross Beatles “Yellow Submarine” limited editions are meticulously printed by Alex’s longstanding personal printer of choice and will be released by Dark Hall Mansion in exact scale to his original painting via limited edition canvas and paper editions. Both Beatles and Alex Ross fans worldwide will have an opportunity to own an officially licensed Beatles, full scale, 72-inch Alex Ross “Yellow Submarine” canvas or paper edition, each personally signed by the artist.
Dark Hall Mansion’s signed Alex Ross “Yellow Submarine” paper edition, limited to a worldwide run of just 295 pieces, will price at $375, while the select signed Alex Ross “Yellow Submarine” canvas edition, with only 125 editions available worldwide, will price at $550.
All Editions go on sale Thursday, Feb 26, 2015 at Dark Hall Mansion. They’ll go on sale on their dedicated Store page at 9:30 AM PST.
Ok, so let’s summarize….
– Officially licensed “Yellow Submarine” Beatles print
– Original Alex Ross composition
– 6 foot print!
– Hand signed by Alex Ross
As stated, Alex is a massive fan of the group and the fact that this is the first time he has EVER done a Beatles piece and it’s officially licensed make this a MUST-HAVE for fans of Alex or the Beatles. At 6 feet long, this print is larger than Alex normally does but he makes the most out of every square inch. Given the size and subject matter, this print is priced exceptionally well.
Stay tuned and we will have more images including some very rare shots of Alex working on this piece in his studio. Follow Dark Hall Mansion on TWITTER for more news and updates on this and future releases.
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