The Shatner Show
76 artists interpret the life and career of William Shatner, pop culture icon
From his iconic Captain James T. Kirk through the steely resolve ofTJ Hooker, the wisdom of Walter H Bascom, the irreverence of Denny Craneor the seemingly hundreds of smaller roles that have filled his career(one of our personal favorites being the Commander Buck Murdock inAirplane 2), William Shatner has shown an uncanny ability to alternately(and sometimes simultaneously) embrace and transcend thosepreconceptions about him. Perhaps this is nowhere exhibited better thanon his recent musical album with Ben Folds: speaking (not singing, ofcourse) with open candor at times about his fortunes and failings, itbecomes clear that the person who has played these characters has somuch more to say than the characters themselves. Now in his 76th year, he continues to produce with a voracity and enthusiasm unrivaled by hispeers. Whether it s a comedic or dramatic role, a gameshow, voice-workfor a documentary or animated program, or even a seemingly lowlybreakfast cereal commercial, each thing he touches is elevated to aplane that s all his own.
With playful reverence to this entrancing icon and fascinatingindividual, UPPERCASE gallery has created The Shatner Show: anexhibition and book of artwork depicting William Shatner, featuring thework of 76 artists and illustrators from Canada and the US. Mr. Shatnerhas endorsed the project and provided the following statement:
