News
Thanks to everyone who made it out for the opening reception this past Thursday. The show came together beautifully and it was a great pleasure to see so many of you come through despite the ominous weather conditions. We strongly encourage everyone to see the show in person as Herbert’s work is incredibly detailed and difficult to convey through photos alone.
Enjoy!
If you are looking to be seduced, look no further. The answer is Will Barras' "Darling, We're Leaving!" at Fifty24SF Gallery. Will Barras releases moody phantasms from his brush, luring life from board and canvas as a series of smoke and shadows, synapses and sensual beings. City ambrosia permeates each of his works like a new romance. He never associates himself with one particular subject for too long, ranging his work from the subject of wilderness to the more subversive topics of nurses and abstracted appendages. Barras’ has a sharp, observing eye. He knows which street character to paint in epic proportion, which driver to shrink into leathery dull seat, and which car to melt into tidal fog.
The most outstanding quality about Barras’ work is not necessarily the clarity found from fog and smoke, but his ability to work within the parameter of paper and make his characters and strokes break away from the beaten path. -Jenny Ma
Jeremy Fish- long time friend and valued member of the Upper Playground and FIFTY24SF family. Incredibly talented illustrator and painter. Humble and genuine. Innovative, fresh, intriguing, humorous, prolific; these are all words and phrases that immediately pop into mind when we think of Jeremy Fish.
Yet, none of these words are big enough to describe the level on which this guy functions. Most people can tell you that they've never seen Jeremy give only 50% to a project. In fact we've never seen him invest any less than 200% in everything he does.
If you were lucky enough to experience "Ghosts of the Barbary Coast" last December, you know that when Jeremy goes for it, he goes the distance.
Which is why we are immensely proud to announce the opening of his first Museum exhibition, "Weathering the Storm" at the Laguna Art Museum this coming Sunday, November 8th.
Jeremy Fish has spent a lifetime making beautiful artwork. We've watched his steady ascent and are proud to acknowledge and support this momentous step in his career.
Congratulations Jeremy! We'll be seeing you in Laguna!
Check out Arrested Motion's Studio visit with Mr. Fish here
It's that time again...the month is coming to a close...meaning Move #19 has moved on, but as they say "when one door closes, another opens"... Anyway, from inside a cloud of paint fumes and some reggae beats (oh, the joys of de-install), we're comin' at you with an exclusive interview with Will Barras. And for those of you who have gotten lost in the frenzy of autumn, Will Barras' newest exhibition, "Darling we're leaving!" opens November 5th. And it's already shaping up to be a spectacular show.
Hear from Will Barras as never before, interviewed by beloved member of the UP family - the one and only Mr. Jeremy Fish.
JFish: is it true there is another will barras who raps about science? (i love that story) if you guys had a fist fight over the name, who would win?
WBarras: It is true, he's always first to everything internet related , but then he is a scientist.
When the Hedron Collider started up, he wrote a rap about it, it's not exactly a banger, but it is educational. It made it into the papers and for one day, everyone thought I was launching a career as a rapper.
I have always loved that you play cricket, though I haven't ever seen any drawings I thought were inspired by the sport. Ever draw any inspiration for your work from the game?
I dont know, I've kept it quite seperate, it's like escapism from work and I guess I havent worked out anything interesting yet.
Maybe this time...I'll bring some bats with me and we will see what happens.
Last year when we were in italy I hounded you to buy a motorbike and drive off back to england through the Italian countryside. Since then I know you finally got a bike, any good stories so far?
I did get a bike, a friend was selling an old Yamaha, I went on one road trip to Bristol, only a couple of hundred miles but far enough with no rear suspension, then it started making a chronic whining noise and it's been in a garage for the whole summer. When I think about it it seems ridiculous and impracticle, but when I'm on it , its amazing...I'm hoping I've pre-empted a mid-life crisis...
Years ago, we were together on a mural tour through eastern Europe. Seems like you have been back to Warsaw and done a couple of things since. How do you like that part of Europe and the art scene there?
I've been back to Wawsaw to see Pavel (Swanski) and made a painting with him and then a big long wall with him, Chaz and M City, I do love the place, I dont know, I think it's the people there, really friendly, I think it's good because we're rolling around with Pavel and his mates.
I am a pretty huge Will Barras fan and have been since long before we met. I have always loved his eye for simple things, his way of drawing things in motion, and the lovely ladies he draws. Anything new these days as far as subject goes? Do you find yourself drawing anything out of the ordinary?
Nothing wildly different, still a lot of vehicles and girls. I've been messing around with fabric and trying to learn different ways to paint, maybe a few ghosts and animals (some of your influence i think!).
Random: When you hear the name Tito do you think of Michael Jackson's brother, or an Italian gerbil?
Definitely a gerbil, driving a Vespa Ape.
What is the story behind the title of this show? "darling we're leaving!"
Well its just a title now, because artwork doesn't exsist yet. It's like the start of a journey, it's the desire to just take off and escape from everyday life.
I know for a long time you balanced a good deal of commercial illustration with your gallery work. Are you still doing a lot of commercial stuff? If so, is there anything you can talk about?
I haven't done so much recently, works been a bit thin on the ground, I've been painting and doing office murals, and holiday resorts in Tunisia... I Drew a toilet-powered Delorian for a young comedian called Jermaine Fowler
and i did some Oakley sunglasses with a drawing of Bo on them...
We know it's been a handful of days, but we do have a couple projects brewing that we will discuss with you in the near future. Don't think we forgot where we were at on our Get to Know the Artists from Move #19 Tour: Up Close and Personal. Check back in a few days for some exclusive sneak peeks.
Julie Goldstein
A California transplant from New Jersey, Julie Goldstein is a surfer and a painter who specializes in woodcuts. She and her husband, Mark Tesi, recently realized their lifelong vision and opened Pine Surf Shop and Gallery located in Long Beach, New York. Unfortunately, on December 20, 2009 a fire destroyed almost all of Pine Surf Shop – including some unique photos, original art, and vintage surfboards. However, with remarkable resilience, Goldstein is back on track, making plans to re-launch the store.
Julie’s work draws inspiration from her experience in the surf community and her life in Brooklyn. She received her MA from Columbia University. Her technique is the process of drawing on wood blocks, carving, and then printing the cuts onto fabric, canvas, etc.
Bert Queiroz
Bert Queiroz is a musician and photographer from Brooklyn. His hometown, Washington, DC was his first inspiration for beginning photography, where he shot skateboarders and infiltrated himself into the hardcore and punk scene. As a way of documenting this music scene for himself and his friends, he began photographing live shows, something he continues doing today. Some bands he has captured include Queen, the Dickies, Dag Nasty, Fugazi, Rites of Spring, Bad Brains, Embrace, Gray Matter, Sink, Wire, K-Line, The Petrol Emotion, Burnside Project, One Last Wish, Kiss, Bardo Pond, Jawbox, Beefeater, and others. He has also found an interest in photographing travel. He says, “Simply put, photography gives me an excuse to travel and traveling gives me an excuse to take photographs.”
Bert’s work has been featured in publications like Spin, NME, Melody Maker, Our Band Could Be Your Life, Gred, Dance of Days, Banned in DC, DC City Paper, Guitar Player, Uno Mas, and Fodor’s Rock & Roll Traveler Guide.
"Munk One" - the name should definitely ring a bell. He's the man responsible for some of Upper Playground's most controversial and amusing graphics this year. This is the man that brought us :
(all available @ upperplayground.com)
So, without further ado Upper Playground and FIFTY24PDX bring you:
Fall is upon us, and with that, Upper Playground in association with FIFTY 24PDX Gallery proudly present,
“Dream Beautiful and Unusual”
-a collection of new works, some that glow in the dark, by the multifaceted artist and designer, Munk One.
Who is Munk one?
Munk One grew up in Southern California and studied Art History and Illustration at Pasadena Community College. However, his real education came through his work experience at a silk-screen and merchandise company while still in high school. Trained in traditional media, computer arts, and in the art of tattoo, Munk One’s work has taken on a variety of forms. His client list includes bands such as Avenged Sevenfold, Bullet for my Valentine, Korn, Red Hot Chili Peppers and No Doubt. Apparel companies that boast Munk One designs include Upper Playground, Tribal Gear, True Love, False Idols and more. Munk was also featured in Juxtapoz magazine earlier this year.
Music, popular culture, politics and personal experience make up the elements of Munk One’s inspiration. He pulls icons directly from what inspires him, communicating clearly and directly with his audience. Themes in his personal work have incredible range, from dark and grotesque, to bright and optimistic, to ironic and humorous- all while retaining a gorgeous aesthetic very specific to Munk’s innovative style.
An opening reception for “Dream Beautiful and Unusual” will be held on Thursday, October 1st from 6:00-9:30pm with Munk One in attendance.
Beverages will be provided by Widmer Brothers Brewing Company.
An encore reception will be held Thursday, November 5th from
6:00-9:30pm.
Show runs October 1st, 2009- November 21st, 2009
Web addresses of importance:
Munk One: http://www.munkone.com
Fifty 24PDX Gallery: http://www.fifty24pdxgallery.com
Upper Playground: http://www.upperplayground.com
FIFTY 24PDX Gallery / Upper Playground
23 NW 5th Ave, Portland, OR 97209
503.548.4835
The closing of a show is always a bitter sweet endeavor. We've become so accustomed to the bright yellow walls, and the lively works of the Date Farmers. We love the quarters glued to the floor, and the Date Farmer Doll House. Complete with knife wielding DF paper dolls.
Tomorrow is your last day to see "Strange Fruit" you have been advised...
Because when one door closes... it closes for reals.
It is quite obvious that Redd Walitzki, , takes pride in feminine indulgences and intricacies . The color pink unabashedly dominates her work while the delicate, vitorian-esk patterns of the background keep the energy light. Check out Redd's new collection of mixed media paintings, "Decadent Decay" opening at FIFTY24SEA this Friday.
Join FIFT24SEA and Upper Playground for the opening reception of
"Decadent Decay" new works by Redd Walitzki
Friday Sept. 18th, 2009 from 5-9pm
For more information, please contact:
Jen Vertz at Fifty 24SEA Gallery, upperplaygroundjen@gmail.com,
This serendipitous collaboration we know as The Date Farmers, moves on a higher plane than most. Their work has enough personality to make the gallery bounce with energy. That, combined with the bright yellow walls and a bad-ass Video Arcade machine, set the scene for what some opening reception attendees called a "Delicious" show. As a finishing touch, the boys super glued a quarter to the gallery floor... mischief makers.
The work keeps you on your toes, they beguile you with bright colors and familiar icons, while smacking you lightly across the face with some honest social commentary. A moral behind the story, if you will . It's always fresh and gets the message across ... and we love it.
A Date Farmer's hand drawn map required for deciphering the price list.
They are a seriously ingenious duo.
Thank you to everybody who made it out last night!
As well as many thanks to DJ Alf Alpha for the tunes and Marsea from New Image Art Gallery for coming out to support.
More shots for you tomorrow.
We been absent for a few days in order to help set up for the Date Farmers show which opens tonight. After spending some time with both Armando and Carlos (The Date Farmers) i can see how their humor is thoroughly embedded in their art work.
Here are some shots from the chaos....
Join us tonight for the Opening Reception Tonight to see how it's all come together.
248 Fillmore St, Sf,
Ca, 94117
It took us a while to get these uploaded for your viewing pleasure... but for those of you who wonder how El Mac gets it done we present to you the following videos.
Enjoy!
As promised, some progress shots of the mural...
and then...
If you were able to make it out for the Lower Haight Artwalk on Friday you may have noticed Mac working on a mural on the side the gallery. As always, he stopped to sign his new book "Alianza" and fan's sketch books with a smile. A few pics of the process:
Though we were sad to see the classic Craola piece go, we knew it was time for somethin' fresh.
Check back for the finished product tomorrow!
August 6th will be a momentous day for street art. Legendary, international badass EL MAC celebrates the opening of "Faces of Life". Working late into the night in still sweltering temperatures, El Mac puts the finishing touches on one of the pieces for his upcoming show and answers a few questions for the curious…
I first remember drawing at about 3 or 4 I think... didn't start painting with spraypaint or acrylic until maybe around '94 or so...
A combination of friends in grade school that were painting graffiti, seeing the book Subway Art, and my obsession with the movie The Warriors.
From pretty early on I kind of felt that the more realistic or representational the work was, the better, which I guess is kind of a simplistic, classical way of approaching art. I think photorealistic/representational art is especially hard to pull off well, so I'm sure I've liked the challenge of it. It's only been slowly over time that I've opened up to more abstract elements. I don't think this stuff was ever deliberately thought out though...if I liked it and it spoke to me then that was enough. You just kind of know when some art has that "extra something".
I'm usually pretty happy with it. Sometimes I won't like my stuff, and it's usually when I'm rushed, but for the most part I do my best to take time & make sure I'm happy with my art. Da Vinci said "Art is never finished, only abandoned"...so even if I do have to abandon my pieces I try to hang in there and spend quality time with them whenever possible.
I just really love to make art...to create...it's very satisfying. Pushing around colors to make images that communicate something to other people. It feels like I'm doing something important, like I'm fulfilling some kind of duty. I feel like making art is some way of rising above basic instincts towards survival and reproduction, and trying to connect with the spiritual. even if it's just a nice tag or a doodle of a hot chick or something. I think music, dance and literature, etc are the same way. It's about growth...trying to make life better & more enjoyable and meaningful, I guess? I'm still trying to figure this out...
Yielding a spray can as masterfully as an oil painter with his brush, El Mac kills it.
"Faces of Life" opens August 6th, 2009
Opening Reception- 7- 9:30pm
FIFTY24SF Gallery
248 Fillmore St. SF
A once annual event that disappeared mysteriously, has been officially resurrected. Much like Jesus on easter morning. Hooray! We invite you to join the Lower Haight neighborhood in celebrating art in all its glory. Densely populated with galleries, hair salons, records stores and retail shops dedicated to the spreading the joy of art, this is an event not to be missed.
Word To Mother's show is closing on Tuesday July 28th. Come check out the show before it closes and see for yourself what's inside the box... for those who can't make it, stay tuned. Everyone else- you've got no excuse we will be open all weekend.
Came across this article on Wataru Ito from Japan. He spent four years carefully crafting an empire made of paper, but what does this artist look forward to most after completing his project? Burning it down. We think thats rad. Check it out.
all photos courtesy of Telegraph.co.uk.
Read the full story here
