Giant Robot 2

GR2 or Giant Robot 2 is across the street and down the block from the famed Giant Robot store on Sawtelle Blvd. It’s primarily a small gallery with some books/​prints vs. the Giant Robot store which is primarily a retail store filled with unique books/​toys/​shirts/​collectibles/​gifts with some original art on display as well.
GR2 is a great place to stop in into, whether you are coming to see a specific artist you know of, or to discover new artists. They host frequent shows (I think every 2 – 3 weeks) so there is always something new to see, and I love that they support Asian-​American artists.
The shows can range from group or solo shows of original art, to group shows of prints or the famous post it note art show. This allows for a wide range of price points and for different types of collectors. I really like that they make art accessible for everyone. They also have a curated selection of art books, some of them signed by the artists.
You’ll often find the owner Eric Nakamura here, or some of his friendly staff. On any day when you stop in, I would not be surprised if either the featured artist or other artists who have exhibited there just happened to be there hanging out. They are all knowledgable about the artists, and there’s a feeling of community there.
Tips:
— The show openings are typically on Saturday night (check their website or FB) and are always pretty packed. It’s a much more casual vibe than your typical art gallery visit, which is nice.
— There are often other cool adjacent events happening there, such as readings or live drawing events during the weekend, so check their schedule.
— Pair a visit with an awesome meal and shopping (duh, you’re on Sawtelle!)

It was nice to stroll through the store earlier today, to browse the drawings & paintings on the wall. Some fascinating artwork on display… :)

Located across the street from the Giant Robot store, this is their art gallery and print shop. I came here because my friend’s art piece was included in their ILL SQUAD exhibit. This was curated by Andrew Hem and was on display from May 16 through June 3 of last year. The gallery is really small so it felt quite packed, and since my friends and I went on opening night there was a ton of food available. Usually gallery openings have some appetizers and that is it, but here they had an entire table full of food for everyone to partake in. Very nice!
The artwork on display was really cool to look at and the artists that Andrew Hem included are clearly very talented. My only complaint about this gallery is that the pieces did not have labels next to them to tell you their name, artist, etc. Instead there was a number next to each piece, and then you had to go find the paper at the beginning of the gallery that listed the artists, the piece name, and the price. I found that to be quite annoying. I understand that it is less expensive to do it this way, but seeing as the gallery takes a large chunk of the selling price, I would think they could afford to print up labels for each piece.
I never knew about this gallery before this exhibit and will definitely be back to check it out the next time I am in the area. 3.5 stars rounded down to 3.

This place is pretty awesome. I like all of the art here where you can just enjoy the art. I came here with friends and ended up admiring at a lot of artists’ work and just laughing at the hilarious pictures that were on some of the post it notes.
I especially like cat art. I don’t know why but there were a lot of cats on those post it notes. So definitely a good place to stop by and enjoy. The shop is small but it will eat up 20 minutes of your time if you let it. hahahaha!

GR2 is the gallery side of Giant Robot, which is across the street. They have a rotating display or artwork and usually they also have shirts, books and prints for sale. I have a large ugly doll print that I bought here and it hangs in my living room. I love to drop by and see what’s new. Today it seemed more bare than usual, but I think it’s because they’re preparing for a new show. Still it’s fun to browse and check out upcoming artists.

Cool gallery & featured books.
There’s also Giant Robot which is down a few stores and across the street from GR 2. Really cool vinyls and tshirts. Definitely a cool little place to check out.

Giant Robot 2 is great — when I lived around the corner, I’d walk here when I got bored. Great mini gallery and place to explore. Great toys, great zines, and great GRAPHIC NOVELS!!!
They have pop up shows as well and readings. I try to make it out to those.

I used to commit adultery here.

If you’re looking to get some culture on the cheap and on the quick, head over to Giant Robot 2 in Little Osaka. It’s across the street from the iconic gift shop Giant Robot, and it has a similar aesthetic – cutting edge, eerie, kawaii, you get the gist – translated into a small art gallery, curated by L.A.‘s own Eric Nakamura.
I actually went for a reading in August, which featured my friends Ed Lin, Nicky Sa-​eun
Schildkraut, and Traci Akemi Kato-​Kiriyama. The gallery was converted into a show space, and the house was full. All three readers were great, and the event made for a pleasant evening. I like that Giant Robot supports Asian-​American artists. It’s a bit of a community hub in that way.
The reading took place during an exhibit of miniature figures by Yukinori Dehara, and I had fun inspecting these tiny vinyl characters lining the walls. The whole space was decorated to give background on Dehara in a visually interesting way, including a painted biography that depicted life events, including sexual ones, with charming cartoon illustrations.
Giant Robot 2 also sells gift items in the same vein as Giant Robot. I bought a zine by my friend Yumi Sakugawa («Never Forgets” – so good), and Eric was the one manning the cashier. He was really nice, and it turned out he was hosting this reading on his birthday. At some we sang to him, and it all felt pretty cozy.
In any case, I’ll probably stop by Giant Robot 2 to see what’s up in the gallery whenever I’m on Sawtelle. It’s a unique spot, and I’ll always be curious when I pass by.

It’s a tiny space, but is full of great stuff. Both in art and other consumer products. Their art shows always have unique, off-​the wall, and creative artists and collections.
It’s a great fit for this hot and happening area of Sawtelle, and has been there for a while now enhancing the growth of the community.

…There are already over 50 reviews for this great place so I’ll just get down like a wordy Haiku… It’s like an Urban Art Boutique. You will find Art, Books, Clothing, and Toys. Should you have the chance to purchase some Art, then you just got something «State of Art» and not state of the art. The glorious thing is that there are different exhibits and art shows. Let’s just say if I obtained a small fortune, I’d open my own Giant Robot so I could just watch and immerse myself in its awesomeness. «Domo Arigato, Giant Roboto»!!!

They have the coolest art shows & unique gifts. Prices are pretty reasonable too!

This gallery is amazing. You can find art prints and original pieces from top up and coming artists, painters, and even sculptors at incredibly low prices. Plus, by shopping here, you’re supporting emerging artists. Why shop at IKEA or Target for bland stuff to hang on your walls when you can buy prints here? (Seriously, you can get amazing prints for under $ 50.)
While I’d never buy art as an investment, you’re buying from top up and coming artists in Los Angeles – some of the pieces that sell here will be very valuable one day.
And the exhibits are always changing, so I make it a point to stop in whenever I’m in the area.

Came here for the recent Post-​It Art show. Amazing. I’ve never seen so many post-​its in an art gallery before. Each post its have their own unique drawing and design on them by different local artists and some famous ones such as Gary Baseman. Super neat! Can also check their website to see events that are host there. On the busy streets of Sawtelle, totally can’t miss this spot.
I had a lot of fun at the Post It show and hopefully I will be able to go to one again next year!

I stumbled upon this spot walking back towards my car after having lunch. I had a few minutes to kill and decided to walk in. It’s a neat store/​gallery. Right now they have post it art done by multiple artists covering their walls that can be purchased at something around $ 20 I can’t recall the exact amount off the top of my head. If you have time, I’d recommend giving yourself a chance to explore, you might find something to keep forever :)

I love coming here for their art shows. The cool products and the access to the artists and their art keeps me coming back.
The artists are always friendly and love to talk about art or other stuff. The owner is a pretty cool guy too.

So impressed with GR2! It’s not just any ol’ artsy store that supports asian american artists. It is a respectable gallery that also sells nic nacs that the artists they’ve showcased in the past and present have designed. Bookmark them to catch their monthly displays and special release parties with the well-​known artists themselves.
Eric, the owner, is super down to earth. And the rest of the staff are super knowledgeable and passionate. Eric is well-​connected and is committed to celebrating all types of artists!
Parking is metered until 8pm for the most part. It gets super crowded in the evenings and weekends because it’s right in the middle of «Little Osaka». But, it’s all totally worth it so check them out! Just plan accordingly!

in contrast to the Giant Robot Store down the street. Giant Robot 2 is actually more of an art gallery than a store. Everything is for sale and there is a handy little pamphlet that will guide you to what the prices are and if the pieces are sold.
The people here are really nice and can tell you a little bit about the artists that have their art on display.
My friends and I wondered here after an afternoon meal and walked into their ‘Year of the Snake’ exhibit. There were all different kinds of snake art present on the walls. Many of them have been sold (marked by a little red dot). It was nice to see.
They also have a vast collection of prints that they sell here. They binders full of options. One of the coolest set of prints were ones of bunnies hidden in Japanese landscapes. Those were very cool and I would have bought them on the spot if I had anywhere to place them in my abode.
I’d definitely would like to come back and check out more exhibits.

Giant Robot has had its finger on pop culture for 20 years and followed the trajectory of many nascent movements/​personalities/​bands. First a zine, then a magazine, and then they added the store, then another, etc and a restaurant.
GR2 is all about art: prints, books and paintings. Most of the toys are in the store down the street.
An epic moment for me, nerd woman who loves anything GR. I was shopping the latest batch of prints on exhibit at GR2… and Eric Nakamura, founder of GR, was working the counter & playing Cocteau Twins. Apparently he noticed I was singing:
«Excuse me, are you singing along?»
*gulp*
Eric Nakamura. A Cocteau Twins fan? Yes, a HUGE fan.
*sigh*
We talked about 4AD bands while he rolled up the prints and book I chose. I was in Heaven.
Top that, nerd!
Post Script: per inquiries– the song was probably «Know Yourself at Every Age» and definitely from 4 Calendar Café. To discuss the best CT album, please contact me… happy to to discuss that!

I love being surprised here!
Stopped by the other day after lunch and saw some really cool stuff by the artist Theo Ellsworth. Stop by anytime and support a local business that does more than pedal good books and art, this place can be downright inspiring!
See ya there!