pwnlove:

Triforce Tribute: A New Hero Approaches

Last night, I set out to The Land Gallery (landpdx.triforcetribute.com), to attend the opening of Triforce Tribute, the art show all inspired by the 26-year-old series and geek culture staple, Legend of Zelda. One of my favorite series that tells the story of world made of temples, monsters, magic, knights, eccentric townsfolk, royalty and music — all on the brink of destruction by evil. Fortunately, an unlikely hero rises above all odds to fight and defeat the terrorizing darkness. I first fell in love with the series with Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and I’ve been a fanboy ever since.

I unexpectedly wrangled up Jon Kay, Creative Director of Fangamer, Mikey Mann and Corey Schmitz, exhibiting artists to join me at the show. We set off to the show early to be one of the first ones in and luckily, there wasn’t a line like for Olly Moss. Not far behind us was local Tumblr Gaming blogs, Bowtie Cat and OTL Gaming and the first in line for the Olly Moss print, Adam Smasher and Soua Her. I enjoyed an evening of truffle fries with friends, scrambling to buy limited prints, discussing Legends of Hidden Temple, sharing our love for Link, looking at art and meeting some incredibly talented artists.  

More than 30 artists on the roster of the Triforce Tribute showed up to speak with the art show attendees including show organizers, Jolby and Always With Honor. Among the experienced line-up is a rookie who is hoping that it is his time to wield the Master Sword and defy the odds at the show opening.   

Jeffery Frankenhauser, a Portland State University student and creator of the Michael Bay infographic, will be exhibiting at Triforce Tribute. Frankenhauser was absolutely honored and astounded when Jolby, his mentors and show organizers, invited him to participate in the show. Fueled by his childhood spent roaming Hyrule and the opportunity of a lifetime, Frankenhauser set out to create a piece that would stand out among the other show submissions coming from top talent.

Frankenhauser loves finding connections between uncommon things.  While brainstorming ideas for the show, Frankenhauser stumbled upon a connection between two of his childhood loves — Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and the 90’s Nickelodeon game show, Legends of the Hidden Temple. Both share a surprising number of themes including dungeons, temples, couples, medallions, challenges and puzzles. Frankenhauser decided to reimagine the six original teams of the show as if they came from Hyrule to create Legends of the Hylian Temple. The Purple Parrots and Silver Snakes became the Silver Skulltulas and Purple Poes. He then created six paintings and a collection of t-shirts to reflect each of the new teams. Frankenhauser is confident that his work will resonate with his fellow gamers who spent their childhoods defending Hyrule and watching Nickelodeon.

From soundtracks to swords to dolls to potions to t-shirts to prints, there is something just waiting for every Zelda fan to be discovered and remember the essence of what makes the series great. It’s an event not to miss for anyone who has helped save Hyrule or holds the Triforce close.  The show is free and runs through April 21^st at the Land Gallery at 3925 N. Mississippi Ave. in Portland, Ore. Most pieces range from $20-$150. For more information, visit http://triforcetribute.landpdx.com/. 

Jolby and Always With Honor are working on setting up a Legend of Zelda Trivia Night in a couple weeks at Ground Kontrol. Mikey Mann and I are working on some questions and we’ve been given the mandate to stump people. Do you think you know Zelda? Prove it at trivia to win rupees and other fabulous prizes. More trivia event information coming soon.

Photos by Pat Castaldo

Tri Force of Tribute