David Choe "Character Assassination" Opening

in

Thanks to all who came by plane, car, Muni, bike, skateboard and foot to see David Choe’s “Character Assassination”. If you were not at Fifty24SF last Friday this is what you missed. The private view kicked off at 5. The sold pins began to cover the walls. The line stretched down Fillmore. As doors opened at 7, the gallery came to life as eager admirers spilled into the room. The walls were filled with original paintings, sold out prints and intimate backdrop photos, revealing an artistic evolution of comic characters to iconic figures. Faces lit up and cameras snapped away. As Choe arrived the crowds inside and out jumped at the opportunity to meet the man in the bright pink shirt. Many fellow Upper Playground artists joined in attendance. If you happen to have missed the reception, “Character Assassination” will hang through March 24th.

The Lost Art of the Film: INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS BENEFIT ART PROGRAM

in

BENEFIT ART PROGRAM TO HELP RAISE MONEY FOR THE VICTIMS OF THE HAITI EARTHQUAKE

SA Studios Global’s Film Marketing Division has teamed up with Quentin Tarantino, Upper Playground and The Weinstein Company to present, THE LOST ART OF INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS.

On February 18th, 2010 from 6p – 9p the world will get to preview and purchase the “Lost Art of Inglorious Basterds” at The Upper Playground Art Gallery in Downtown Los Angeles. All proceeds from this program will be donated to The American Red Cross to help the victims of the Haiti Earthquake.

This creative team has assembled the following select group of accomplished artists, David Choe, Sam Flores, Estevan Oriol, Grotesk, Jeremy Fish, Patrick Martinez, Alex Pardee, Dora Drimalas, Munk One, N8 Van Dyke, Rene Almanza, Morning Breath and Skinner Davis, to create their own poster art based off their interpretation of the Oscar Nominated film, “Inglourious Basterds” artwork.

Each print will be numbered and signed by Quentin Tarantino. Only six (6) of each amount will be made. The prints can be viewed at http://news.upperplayground.com/ingloriousbasterds.php beginning Tuesday February 15, 2010.

The gallery will open will be open to the general public from 6p – 9p on Thursday February 18th, 2010 at Upper Playground Los Angeles located at 125 East 6th Street in Downtown LA. Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase the limited edition prints for $300. The prints are giclée archival and are only available for purchase at Upper Playground, Los Angeles. Phone orders and web orders will not be accepted. Prints will be sold on a first come, first serve basis. The purchase of prints will be limited to one per buyer.


"Character Assassination" A sneak peak, you know you want it....

in

It's our favorite time of month, install for our latest show, David Choe's "Character Assassination" opening this Friday. Check out some shots from the set up for "Character Assassination"...

The week before an opening reception is an interesting time, we all start to feel the pressure of the countdown, the artist gets final details harnessed, and we get an intimate look at how he/she functions in a studio environment. Late nights painting the gallery walls, hanging work, and shootin' the shit, we are regaled with stories of travel and adventures and we learn more clearly why we love these guys. In a nut shell, it's the time when we re-affirm our obsession with art. Choe is no exception.

Not to be missed, Choe returns to the bay area after almost ten years with a collection of new paintings and a plethora of sold out prints.

We cordially invite you to join us this Friday for the opening reception of

David Choe's

"Character Assassination"

7-9:30 pm

"Character Assassination" Sneak Peak

in

It’s our favorite time of month, install for our latest show, David Choe’s “Character Assassination” opening this Friday. The week before an opening reception is an interesting time, we all start to feel the pressure of the countdown, the artist gets final details harnessed, and we get an intimate look at how he/she functions in a studio environment. Late nights painting the gallery walls, hanging work, and shootin’ the shit, we are regaled with stories of travel and adventures and we learn more clearly why we love these guys. In a nut shell, it’s the time when we re-affirm our obsession with art. Choe is no exception.

Not to be M.I.S.S. ed

in

M.I.S.S. is the premier women’s online lifestyle magazine covering fashion, art, beauty, music and design. Founded by Gabriella Davi-Khorasanee and Liz Baca, the two sought to create a space that highlighted the talents and achievements of women, while also covering events and products for ladies and issues concerning women. With a cumulative 23 years in the fashion industry with experience in product design, product development, styling, photography, event planning and brand development, Baca and Davi-Khorasanee bring a keen insight and a refreshing perspective to the things they love. From haute couture to limited-edition kicks with matching manicures, M.I.S.S. is for fashion forward ladies who know style is something you’re born with and can’t buy . . . it’s all how you put it together.M.I.S.S. and FIFTY24LA Gallery Present “Paper Dolls”

A Group Show Displaying New Works by Artists & Their

Interpretation of the Paper Doll

"Weathering the Storm" Epic leaps for Silly Pink Bunnies everywhere

in

Jeremy Fish's "Weathering the Storm" opened in November at the Laguna Beach Art Museum to a full house.Viewers of all ages were captivated by Jeremy's, seemingly effortless, ability to recount tales of social calamities through his iconic characters. His fresh color combinations and satirical imagery lent a lighthearted feel to a show which pointedly exposed the (hopefully temporary) derailment of American society.

hurricane
hurricane

Evan Pricco, managing editor for Juxtapoz magazine, has offered up a preview of his January Show Stopper which covers the momentous occasion and the opening night sentiments more eloquently than I. I'll leave you with the words of Mr. Pricco. Happy Holidays from FIFTY24SF!

Jeremy Fish didn’t know what to expect the evening before his Laguna Art Museum opening. He had spent the prior week hanging the work in the gallery, nearly a full year creating the pieces, and was just now taking his first walk through the exhibit with an outside audience. A typical Jeremy gathering, stereotypes in full-effect, tending to be of the creative young adult set: skateboarders, surfers, sneakerheads, and SPBs. Among the best artists of our time to combine the lifestyles, over the years Jeremy has become one of fine art’s most renowned storytellers.

On the night of November 6, 2009, Jeremy Fish had to tell the story to the members of the Laguna Art Museum. Truth be told, one of the great advantages of aging is that (1) you can become a museum member and attend quiet previews, and (2) you can live in Laguna Beach. So Jeremy Fish walked what may have been his oldest audience yet through the nuances of his craft, explaining his intentions, inspirations, and the story of Weather the Storm. “I was a little nervous that maybe the members wouldn’t be into it,” Fish admitted. “But it turned out they were really into it. In fact, I think one man asked a question about every piece, sometimes asking more than one. I think it was a successful night.”

As the years have rolled on, Jeremy has been a confident builder of tales, concepts, and environments. His Barbary Coast show last year became a unique picture book experience on the history of San Francisco. Weathering the Storm explores the “transformation and rebirth through struggle,” a timely concept given that most people you know are out of a job or out a savings account. Through his bunnies, beaver, birds, and skulls, his world evolves despite adversity, creates new beginnings and says hello/goodbye to the past.

The exhibit features wonderful literature provided by both Fish and Laguna curator Grace Kook-Anderson, bringing an essential academic outline of the work to an audience unfamiliar with the artist. One thing for certain, as Jeremy is coroneted into the museum world, he is becoming a subject worthy to write about in historical context. If a Cat with a Hat can change the world, why can’t a Silly Pink Bunny?

-Evan Pricco

Please conatct the gallery if you have any questions regarding this exhibition.

Lynzy@upperplayground.com

Jeremy Fish "Weathering the Storm"

in

Jeremy Fish’s “Weathering the Storm” opened in November at the Laguna Beach Art Museum to a full house.Viewers of all ages were captivated by Jeremy’s, seemingly effortless, ability to recount tales of social calamities through his iconic characters. His fresh color combinations and satirical imagery lent a lighthearted feel to a show which pointedly exposed the (hopefully temporary) derailment of American society.

Evan Pricco, managing editor for Juxtapoz magazine, has offered up a preview of his January Show Stopper which covers the momentous occasion and the opening night sentiments more eloquently than I. I’ll leave you with the words of Mr. Pricco. Happy Holidays from FIFTY24SF!

Jeremy Fish didn’t know what to expect the evening before his Laguna Art Museum opening. He had spent the prior week hanging the work in the gallery, nearly a full year creating the pieces, and was just now taking his first walk through the exhibit with an outside audience. A typical Jeremy gathering, stereotypes in full-effect, tending to be of the creative young adult set: skateboarders, surfers, sneakerheads, and SPBs. Among the best artists of our time to combine the lifestyles, over the years Jeremy has become one of fine art’s most renowned storytellers.

On the night of November 6, 2009, Jeremy Fish had to tell the story to the members of the Laguna Art Museum. Truth be told, one of the great advantages of aging is that (1) you can become a museum member and attend quiet previews, and (2) you can live in Laguna Beach. So Jeremy Fish walked what may have been his oldest audience yet through the nuances of his craft, explaining his intentions, inspirations, and the story of Weather the Storm. “I was a little nervous that maybe the members wouldn’t be into it,” Fish admitted. “But it turned out they were really into it. In fact, I think one man asked a question about every piece, sometimes asking more than one. I think it was a successful night.”

As the years have rolled on, Jeremy has been a confident builder of tales, concepts, and environments. His Barbary Coast show last year became a unique picture book experience on the history of San Francisco. Weathering the Storm explores the “transformation and rebirth through struggle,” a timely concept given that most people you know are out of a job or out a savings account. Through his bunnies, beaver, birds, and skulls, his world evolves despite adversity, creates new beginnings and says hello/goodbye to the past.

The exhibit features wonderful literature provided by both Fish and Laguna curator Grace Kook-Anderson, bringing an essential academic outline of the work to an audience unfamiliar with the artist. One thing for certain, as Jeremy is coroneted into the museum world, he is becoming a subject worthy to write about in historical context. If a Cat with a Hat can change the world, why can’t a Silly Pink Bunny?

-Evan Pricco

Herbert Baglione's "The Dark Wave" Opening Night Recap...

in

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.

If you weren't able to make it out, check out the shots below.

Enjoy!

herbert-baglione

Herbert Baglione's "The Dark Wave" Opening

in

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!

dark-wave

Hebert Baglione's "Dark Wave" opens this Thursday...

in

Fifty24SF is proud to host “The Dark Wave”- a solo exhibition by Herbert Baglione.

Brazilian artist Herbert Baglione has been a strong interest in the South American graffiti movement for more than ten years. Inspired by Brazil’s street culture, Baglione started experimenting with new ways to look at his urban environment of Sao Paulo and provoked dialogue about his fresh perspective on urban artwork. Alongside these efforts are Baglione’s distinctive mural designs and stretched figures representing humans and aliens. These are often balancing elongated and rounded extremes with dramatic iconic symbols such as familiar urban architecture.

Influenced by his older brother, Baglione began painting at the age of three, and has found his greatest interest in provoking themes such as death, individualism, family, and chaos. These complex themes alongside his distinctive style have given Baglione deserved recognition in the international graffiti scene.

“The Dark Wave” features new sketches and paintings on canvas on display at FIFTY24SF Gallery from December 10, 2009  – January 28, 2010.

"The Dark Wave"

Opening Reception:

Thursday Dec, 10th, 2009

7-9:30pm

248 Fillmore St. SF

For information on the preview, please contact Lynzy@upperplayground.com.

Juxtapoz 15th Anniversary Benefit Party Recap

in

We'd been teasing you with set up shots from the Juxtapoz 15th Anniversary Benefit Party that launched on Sat Nov. 14th. ( the complete set of install shots can be found on the gallery Facebook page)  But, now it's time for you to check out the fruits of our labor. First of all, you know that feeling you got as a kid right before your birthday party was scheduled to start? Well that's generally the same feeling we get every time we open a new show.

So, surely, you can imagine the delight we felt when we looked around and the event space was packed! And as you've seen from the set up photos, that was quite the space to fill.

We'll let the pics tell the rest of the story.

Enjoy

Over 2000 people managed to make their way through the show. Though we made a valiant effort to touch base with everybody we wanted to, it was nearly impossible. The space was inundated with a sea of art lovers, artists and gallerists from all over the country.

There are so many things we would like to say about how incredible the entire experience was, but really, we think that the photos speak for themselves.

Needless to say, it was an immense pleasure working with Sa Studios and Juxtapoz.  Sa Studios' hospitality goes above and beyond. We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have participated in this landmark event.

The first half of the Jux Benefit Auction has raised over $100,000 for the Detroit Powerhouse Project. The second round opens November 24th @ Charitybuzz.com. All proceeds from both auctions will go towards the goal of buying and renovating 5 houses in Detroit. In an effort to stimulate their local economy, all renovations will be handled by local craftsmen. (Check out PowerHouse Project here).

Progress... Setting up for the Juxtapoz show

in

Blogging has been a bit difficult since the week has been jammed packed with activities.  But we're catching up. So, here we go... "Weathering the Storm"

Saturday Jeremy's show opened in Laguna. It was beautiful. His work just keeps getting better and better, he's using a lot of colors and the statues are impressive as always. It was especially wonderful to see so many people come down from SF, and all over the place really, to support the silliest of pink bunnies, Mr. Fish. Will Barras even drove down from SF with Lidia, his lovely lady! Check out works from the exhibition here.

IMG_0535

After Jeremy's Show, Evan Pricco (managing editor for Jux) and I began the grand task of prepping for the Jux Anniversary Benefit party.  This event is going to be amazing. Seriously.

On Monday we scoped the space and sat down with  SA studios to discuss details.  If you're not familiar with Sa studios, they are the creative agency for Mr. Cartoon and Estevan Oriol. The guys over there are some of the raddest guys of all time. And Mr Cartoon's cars are just unbelievable. Drool Worthy. More than drool worthy.

Now for some shots of the venue pre Jux/UP/Sa studios/ FIFTY24SF   magic......

Later Evan and I took the crane out to do some donuts in the parking lot.... or not. But, we considered it.

Ok so now we've brought you up to speed. Check back for more progress. A week with the Sa boys, Evan, and over 100 pieces of art to get hung...things will be getting interesting in the coming days.

LB

FIFTY24SF out and about for First Friday

in

First Fridays

FIFTY24SF was out on the town last Friday night, pushing our pedals to the max. From China Town to the Mission and back up through the Haight, we hit every show we could to bring you a taste of what's up on Fridays.

The Skullz Press

First stop- Mike Giant's,  The Skullz Press.

Giant released some new works from the "Las Cholas de Frisco" project and some fresh new illustrations. Check it out...

Mike Giant 2

Next stop...

Popstars and Cokeheads @ The Medicine Agency

Greg Mike's solo show at the Medicine Agency in the China Town was downright impressive. Greg came and threw it down like nobody's business.

Greg Mike 3

Tri- Product @ Fabric 8

Show after show we continued on. We next ventured to Fabric 8 to get a peak at Brett Amory, Adam Caldwell, and David Choong Lee's newest works. This is a must see show. All three artist have distinctly different styles,which is always a plus.

The Infinity Solution @ D-Structure

We ended the night with Joshua Mayes show The Infinity Solution. Mayes has got  a super fly style and absolutely killed it at D-Structure friday night. Stop by to see the works in person.

FIFTY24SF heading to LA for the Juxtapoz Benefit Party!!

in
LAGUNA POSTER

Yesterday FIFTY24SF piled into various vehicles and headed south for the winter. Err... the week. Our first stop is the Laguna Art Museum to support our dear friend Jeremy Fish and then we're off to help set up for the Juxtapoz 15th Anniversary and Benefit Party!!

We popped in late night at Sa Studios to drop off some final works for the benefit auction and to check out the lay of the land for the event.  Things are looking seriously good.  And by "good" we mean pool in the middle of the event site,  copious amounts of mind blowing art, and badass DJ's  good.

The Juxtapoz Benefit Party will be hosted next Sat. November 14th and is open to the public.

So, If you're in the La area next weekend, first on your list should be the Jux event.  If you know the magazine, you know they've got great taste. Pair that with the go big or go home attitude of Sa Studios and you've got a recipe for greatness...

Opening Night Recap Will Barras

in

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