The Monster Mash

If the names Mothra, Rodan, Anguirus, Kumonga, Kamacuras, and Gabara ring a bell, then you’re in for a treat. If not, don’t worry — these are not variations of exotic STDs. They are the names of atomic-age “kaiju” monsters typical of the radioactive Godzilla movies that emerged in postwar Japan during the Fifties and Sixties. ArtCenter/South Florida (800 Lincoln Rd., Miami Beach) is featuring “Kaiju Monster Invasion Miami Beach 2008,” a toxic group exhibit by international artists showcasing representations of glow-in-the-dark lizards, flying turtles, and other fugitive mutants from the anti-nuclear cinema of yesteryear. Saturday night at 8, Slovakian composer Juraj Kojs will creep up the vibe with a Kaiju Computer Concert, capturing the aural assault of monster mayhem in a glorious ear-shattering din. Call 305-674-8278, or visit www.artcentersf.org.

For a fresh dose of lowbrow, pop surrealist, and street art, check out Francesco LoCastro’s “Ginzatropicalia: Graffiti Goes Global” exhibit, featuring works by CENA7, Thais Beltrame, Emol, Flip, Dres 13, Flavio Samelo, Brian Sensebe, Suiko, and Rodrigo Villas. Saturday night at 7, wrap the peepers around progressive South American and Brazilian graffiti fused with iconic Japanese illustration in a neck-craning style, at 3250 NE First Ave., Ste. 101, in midtown Miami. Call 212-604-0600, or visit www.sushisamba.com.
Sat., Dec. 6, 2008