Rethinking Darth Vader

The premise of The Vader Project is simple -- simply awesome, that is: 100 of the best underground artists and designers working today rethink the iconic black helmet that defined Darth Vader. What started as a simple idea in 2005 became a record-setting exhibition in 2009. Now for the first time, these unique pieces of art will be available to the public in an auction. <a href="http://www.thevaderproject.com/" target="_blank"><b>Get the catalog!</b></a>

In preparation for the auction, The Vader Project has just made available a 200-plus page, full-color, limited edition catalog that is available for pre-order now at <a href="http://www.thevaderproject.com/"><b>www.thevaderproject.com</b></a>.  (Yoko D'Holbachie / The Vader Project)

The Los Angeles Preview Exhibition is free to the public with an opening reception on June 11 from 6-10pm. On June 12, the space will present a catalog signing event with over 20 participating artists in attendance beginning at 2pm. The Vader Project will be on display through June 20.  (Michelle Valigura / The Vader Project)

In July, The Vader Project travels to Freeman’s Auctioneers and Appraisers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for the final opportunity to view the helmets in person before they are sold at auction. “The result is astounding” said Simeon Lipman, Pop Culture Specialist at Freeman’s. (Josh Agle / The Vader Project)

The Freeman’s Auction will take place July 10, 2010 at Freeman’s Auction House in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania preceded by a 5-day exhibition there July 5-9. <a href="http://www.freemansauction.com" target="_blank"><b>www.freemansauction.com</b></a> (Alex Pardee / The Vader Project)

Collectors and art connoisseurs worldwide will have the opportunity to bid online at <a href="http://www.freemansauction.com/" target="_blank">Freeman’s website</a>. Most bidding will begin at $1,500. (Niagara / The Vader Project)

Since its premiere in 2007, The Vader Project has toured the world. The collection launched in May 2007 at the Star Wars Celebration IV event in Los Angeles, and travelled internationally to Europe in July 2007 and Japan in July 2008. Most recently The Vader Project was on display from February 13 - May 3, 2009 at the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (Simone Legno Tokidoki / The Vader Project)

(MARS-1 / The Vader Project)

(Aye Jay / The Vader Project)

(Gary Baseman / The Vader Project)

(David S. Krys / The Vader Project)