The biggest art show in Los Angeles last Saturday night was at the Japanese American National Museum in Little Tokyo. Giant Robot celebrated its 15 years as a magazine with its second biennale there. Eric Nakamura, the curator of all things art related at Giant Robot, was kind enough to give us a tour of the highly anticipated show before it opened, including artist David Choe’s shocking installation. The preview photos and opening reception coverage after the jump.

*WARNING: Some explicit photos ahead. View at your own risk!

Over fifty artists are exhibited at this year’s biennale. With the last one being such a hit, the museum granted GR more space than last time, allowing them to take over more than two thirds of venue!

The downstairs portion shows the multitude of artists, like Albert Reyes, Deth P. Sun, Rob Sato, the photography of Ben Clark, etc. I love that Ledavhara figure in the middle!

Upstairs exhibits the select feature artists. That’s Eric Nakamura showing us Souther Salazar’s 25foot long painting(whoa!) that’s about to go up on the wall.

The biggest area allotted to a single artist in the whole show belonged to David Choe, whose art you might recognize from KoreAm’s February cover. He never fails to shock the bejeezus out of me.

D.Choe’s korean stamp inspired signature on one of his paintings.

EN standing in front of a Choe piece. Thanks for the tour!

The day of the reception. JANM was packed!

George Takei(SULU!) introducing EN in a lengthy, most flattering speech.

EN presenting all the artists with certificates.

For musical entertainment, David Choe, James Jean, and Goh Nakamura (left to right) rocked out for the guests.

Musician Bobby Choy (left) and “White on Rice” star Hiroshi Watanabe  (right) were also in attendance.

There were excruciatingly long lines to get in to both the upstairs and downstairs portions of the exhibit.

Linkin Park member Joseph Hahn being interviewed by Audrey Magazine’s Janice Jann.

People seemed to be intrigued by DC’s creativity, as always…

…like the man on the right, pointing curiously, or this woman who brought her young son in the blocked off area. Any education at a young age is important, I suppose.

The artist himself standing proudly in front of his floor to ceiling mural.

Check out David Choe and 50+ other artists at the Giant Robot Biennale. The show runs until January 24, 2010.

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