PHILADELPHIA, PA.- 100 Darth Vader helmets which have been re-imagined by some of today's best known underground artists will be unveiled at Freeman's Los Angeles Auction Preview, 6812 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A. from June 12th through the 20th, 2010 before their sale at Freemans' Auctioneers in Philadelphia on July 10th 2010.

The Vader Project was set up by Dov Kelemer and Sarah Jo Marks of DKE toys. The concept is simple: 100 of the best underground artists and designers working today were given a scale Darth Vader helmet to customize as they saw fit. "From a simple idea in 2005 to a record-setting exhibition in 2009, it's time for our child to venture forth into the world," Kelemer and Marks said. "We are pleased to have partnered with Freeman's to make these fine pieces of art available to the public for the first time."

Some of the notable artists involved with the project include: Shag, Peter Kuper, Jermaine Rogers, Gary Baseman, BXH, Tim Biskup, The Pizz, Dalek, Paul Frank, Ron English, Jeff Soto, Michelle Valigura, Frank Kozik, Plasticgod, Simone Legno - Tokidoki, Bill McMullen, Secret Base, Joe Ledbetter, Alex Pardee, Suckadelic, Cameron Tiede, Mister Cartoon, Marc Ecko, and Amanda Visell. The helmets are valued from between US$3000 and US$15,000.

"The result is astounding" said Simeon Lipman Pop Culture Specialist at Freemans. "The sale will give members of the public the chance to purchase unique artworks made from these iconic symbols of the movie industry by a number of well known artists including Shag, Marc Ecko, Tim Biskup, Frank Kozik and many more."

Since it's conception in 2007, The Vader Project has been displayed at various Star Wars conventions and Museums around the world. The Vader Project originally premiered in May 2007 at the Star Wars TM Celebration IV in Los Angeles. From there it travelled all over the world to Europe in July 2007 and Japan in July 2008. Most recently it was on display from February 13 - May 3, 2009 at the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

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