"FACES OF LIFE" NEW WORKS by EL MAC

"FACES OF LIFE" NEW WORKS by El Mac
Complete details @ upperplayground.com

Info posted by Upper Playground:

“Faces of Life” is a solo exhibition by El Mac, a graffiti mural artist from Los Angeles.

Since beginning to paint graffiti in the mid-90s as “The Mac,” El Mac’s murals have become recognized landmarks in cities across the globe. These pieces, often photorealistic depictions of everyday people and ethereal women, utilize distinctive brushwork that focus on the human face and form. His artwork combines classic art themes and techniques with inspiration from Mexican and Chicano culture of the Southwest, pin up art, religious imagery, and street graffiti. El Mac perceives his own work as “the result of a life devoted to art.”

Opening Reception: August 6, 2009 7-9:30 p.m.(PST)
Exhibit Dates: August 6, 2009 - August 27, 2009

ARTIST BIO:

El Mac was born in Los Angeles to an engineer and an artist, independently studying art since his childhood. He has taken the last few years to focus on creating murals, canvases, stained glass, and continuing to evolve his celebrated brushwork technique. He currently lives in Phoenix, Arizona.



FIFTY24SF Gallery
248 Fillmore Street
San Francisco, CA 94117

source: upperplayground.com

www.upperplayground.com

YOU DON'T HAVE TO LIE TO KICK IT by PATRICK MARTINEZ

YOU DON'T HAVE TO LIE TO KICK IT by Patrick Martinez
Complete details @ upperplayground.com

PRESS RELEASE:

“You Don’t Have To Lie To Kick It” is a collection of works that tackles themes such as the recession and it’s impact on young families, youth and street dialogue, as well as love within the urban community. Martinez hopes these works will challenge equality issues in the streets of Los Angeles – particularly focusing on the relationship between authority and the masses. He hopes to shed new light on these familiar cultural controversies, utilizing a balance of street and classical aesthetic forms and mediums.

You Don’t Have To Lie To Kick It features new works and an installation on display at FIFTY24LA Gallery from Sept 10 – Nov 5, 2009.

ARTIST BIO:

Patrick Martinez earned a BFA from Art Center College of Design with honors in 2005 and a Masters in art hustle from the streets of Los Angeles. His work has been shown in many galleries across the United States and has been featured in art publications such as Mynameis? and Juxtapoz. Martinez works as a fine artist and art director for SA Studios tackling projects that range from movie posters to creating original art for specific clients. He has also created original content for clients such as: Frank 151, Flaunt Magazine, adidas, Nike, Upper Playground, Stussy, Rime, SA Studios and Undefeated. www.patrickmartinez.com



source: upperplayground.com

www.patrickmartinez.com
www.upperplayground.com

MAGICAL MOMENTS @ MELANEE COOPER GALLERY, JULY 10TH

MAGICAL MOMENTS - SOLO EXHIBITION by Jeremiah Ketner
Complete details @ smallandround.com

Info posted by Jeremiah Ketner:

I am having a summer show at Melanee Copper Gallery, Chicago, opening on July 10th. from 5- 8 P.M. I have a selection of new and old works along with some really big pieces, 40 x 60 and bigger. I just got back from the gallery the other day and the show looks great. It's nice to see the diversity of styles from only a few years ago until now. If you live in or near Chicago, please stop by and say hello. Here is some more info about the event:

Jeremiah Ketner: magical moments
Theresa Handy: spinning girl

Melanee Cooper Gallery
Opening Reception: Friday, July 10 from 5-8pm
Exhibition Dates: July 10 - August 2009

source: smallandround.blogspot.com

www.smallandround.com
www.melaneecoopergallery.com

BANKSY VS. BRISTOL MUSEUM

BANKSY VS. BRISTOL MUSEUM

Info posted by the NY Times:

Continuing his tradition of staging surprise installations in unexpected locations, the British artist Banksy has staged another surprise installation in an unexpected location, BBC News reported. His latest stealth project, which officially opens on Saturday, turned up in the City Museum and Art Gallery in Bristol, England, about 120 miles west of London. Though the museum is traditionally home to artwork and artifacts commemorating Bristol’s maritime history, Banksy filled it with animatronic exhibitions, paintings and a rusted ice cream van.



source: artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com

www.alwaysseen.com

A TOUCH OF EVIL - SOLO EXHIBITION by ATTABOY

A TOUCH OF EVIL - SOLO EXHIBITION by Attaboy
Hosted by POV Evolving Gallery

This Saturday, June 13, 09, artist Attaboy will be opening his solo exhibition "A Touch of Evil" at the POV Evolving Gallery in Los Angeles, California. You can expect to see new works by Attaboy which include drawings, paintings, sculptures and Gooberries. Attaboy's newest sculpted figure, Winged Schmee(which is pictured below and is pretty awesome) will be making it's debut at this exhibition as well. Also as another added bonus, it was recently announced that POV Evolving Gallery will make pre-orders available for Attaboys's hand painted custom resins of Winged Schmee at this event. For complete details please e-mail jeremy@povevolving.com.

Opening Reception: Saturday, June 13, 09 6-10 p.m.(PST)
Exhibit Dates: Saturday, June 13, 09 - Wednesday, July 08, 09



POV Evolving Gallery
939 Chung King Rd.
Los Angeles CA. 90012

www.yumfactory.com
www.povevolvinggallery.com

HELL COMES TO CHICAGO by FRANK KOZIK

HELL COMES TO CHICAGO by Frank Kozik
Hosted by Rotofugi Gallery

Legendary artist Frank Kozik invades the Midwest as he opens his solo exhibition "Hell comes to Chicago," at the Rotofugi Gallery in Chicago, Illinois. This solo will feature all new paintings by Frank, who will be present at the opening for a scheduled signing. The opening reception will be on Friday, June 12, 09 from 7-10 p.m. Also, be sure to sign up for the online Preview List that will be posted on Rotofugi's website. For more info on this and other exhibitions hosted by Rotofugi please visit www.rotofugi.com.

Opening Reception: Friday, June 12, 09 7-10 p.m.
Exhibit Dates: Friday, June 12, 09 - Tuseday, June 30, 09

ARTIST INFO:

Bio: Frank Kozik was born near Madrid, Spain in 1962 and immigrated to United States, settling in Austin, Texas in the 70’s. Credited with single-handedly reviving the "lost" art of the concert poster, Kozik’s art career emerged from his connection to Austin's cultural explosion in the mid 80’s. Starting with band flyers that he posted on telephone poles, Kozik quickly garnered a solid fan-base who dug his graphically compelling and culturally relevant work.

To date, Kozik has designed over 1000 concert posters and album covers for artists as diverse as The Sex Pistols and Nirvana; founded Man’s Ruin Records; directed music videos for Soundgarden; staged over 60 gallery shows worldwide; created artwork for some of world’s biggest companies; and published several volumes of his work.

Since 2000, Kozik’s main artistic focus has been in the design and production of vinyl art toys. The icon of Kozik’s toy empire is his Smorkin’ Labbit character, but he is also the guy behind Chumps, Mongers and pretty much everything else that smorks.

Rotofugi
1953 W. Chicago Ave.
Chicago, IL 60622

www.fkozik.com
www.rotofugi.com

COOP - SOLO EXHIBITION @ COREY HELFORD GALLERY

COOP - SOLO EXHIBITION @ COREY HELFORD GALLERY

Info posted by Munky King:

The daredevil artist COOP will be exhibiting new artwork at Corey Helford Gallery on May 29th. After a 3 year wait, fans of the lowbrow artist will wait no more!

COOP is going all out for the show by featuring an original soundtrack by Devo pioneer and longtime buddy Mark Mothersbaugh. And just for a bit of a tease, on display will be his new vinyl toy "Lil Mort" produced by none other then your mischievous friend...Munky King. We're super excited to witness COOP's new creations display and the reaction for "Lil Mort"!

Don't forget to check out his exclusive interview with Juxtapoz and Daily du Jour's studio visit.

Exhibition Dates:
Friday, May 29, 09 through Saturday, June 20, 09



Corey Helford Gallery
8522 Washington Blvd.
Culver City, CA. 90232

source: munkyking.com

www.coopstuff.com
www.coreyhelfordgallery.com

"SENTIMENTAL" SOLO SHOW by KATHIE OLIVAS

"SENTIMENTAL" SOLO SHOW by Kathie Olivas
Hosted by Copro Gallery

Info posted by Kathie Olivas:

Hi everyone! I will be having a small solo show of new works this Saturday at Copro Gallery in Santa Monica, CA. Sadly I will be unable to attend. The show will include new paintings and customs and a 36" hand oil painted fiberglass figure that is just one of a new series I have been working on...

Sentimental - Kathie Olivas Solo Show
Opening reception: Saturday May 9, 8:00-11:30 p.m.(PST)

http://www.copronason.com/kathieweb/index.html
(online preview)

Copro Gallery
2525 Michigan Avenue TS
Santa Monica, CA 90404

www.kathieolivas.com
www.copronason.com

"IT'S WHAT'S INSIDE THAT COUNTS" by ANDREW BELL

"IT'S WHAT'S INSIDE THAT COUNTS" by Andrew Bell
Hosted by Rivet Gallery

Info posted by Rivet Gallery:

It's What's Inside That Counts - Andrew Bell
Solo Exhibition - Opening May 2nd, 7-10 p.m.
Solo Exhibition opens on May 2nd and runs through May 31st.

Andrew Bell will be on hand at Rivet May 1st & 2nd for the opening, a lecture, & signings.

Check out the show preview!

Artist Bio: Andrew Bell was born in England in the waning days of the rip-roaring 70's. As a wee lad he packed a lunch and headed for the U.S.A. to pursue dreams of monster truck racing and professional skateboarding. Having failed in these endeavors, Andrew now lives, works, and slowly absorbs industrial waste in Brooklyn, NYC. From his shelter he operates Dead Zebra Inc, producing artwork and projects such as 'the Creatures in my Head'. His work straddles the line between the humorous and the grotesque, and is often accompanied by underlying social commentary. He has been featured in publications from the New York Times, Wired, Kidrobot, MTV, Juxtapoz and more.

Rivet
Designer Toy and Art Gallery
1200 N. High St.
Columbus, OH 43201
614-294-8697

www.creaturesinmyhead.com
www.rivetgallery.com

"HELLO AND GOODBYE" by YOSKAY YAMAMOTO

"HELLO AND GOODBYE" by Yoskay Yamamoto
Hosted by LeBasse Projects

Info posted by LeBasse Projects:

Los Angeles, CA – LeBasse Projects is proud to announce, Hello and Goodbye, a solo exhibition from Japanese artist Yoskay Yamamoto. This will be the artist’s second major solo exhibition, and will mark his largest body of work to date both in size and scale. The show represents a breakthrough in work from Yamamoto, and will reflect a continuation of intimate statements of self-expression that began in his last exhibition.

Opening reception: Saturday, May 9th, 7-10 p.m.(PST)

For preview and info contact: beau@lebasseprojects or call (310) 558-0200

LeBasse Projects
6023 Washington Blvd.
Culver City, CA 90232
(310) 558-0200

www.lebasseprojects.com

FIFTY24SF GALLERY: VIELED BEAUTY by HUSH

FIFTY24SF GALLERY: VIELED BEAUTY by Hush
Opening Reception: Thursday, April 02, 09 7–9 p.m.

Info posted by Upper Playground:

“Veiled Beauty” is a solo exhibition by Hush, a graphic designer and illustrator from the U.K.

Hush is an urban artist who worked in Hong Kong for a number of years as a graphic designer/illustrator before returning to the UK. His popularity is soaring, with sell out shows in London and Los Angeles, along with high profile street pieces, sold out print runs and collaborations. Influenced by various facets of modern culture, he is inspired by graphic-novels, animation, graphic-design, graffiti art, urban art and contemporary painting. He’s known for his portrayal of female Manga characters juxtaposed with his mixed media layering techniques utilizing screen print, spray paint and multi-levels of paper. The confluence of East meets West, destruction meets construction, and classic versus contemporary style, all leave the viewer feeling the same conflicts and energy that his work embodies.

Hush has worked as a graphic designer, illustrator and art director in London, Edinburgh, Newcastle and Hong Kong where he worked for a few of the largest toy companies in the world. His work has been featured in numerous selected exhibitions in London, Los Angeles, Hong Kong, Edinburgh and Newcastle. Now and again you might still see Hush on a wall in your city.

“Veiled Beauty” features new paintings on display at FIFTY24SF Gallery from April 2 - 26, 2009.

source: upperplayground.com

www.upperplayground.com

CACKLE FACTORY by BRANDTPETERS

CACKLE FACTORY by Brandt Peters
Hosted by Gallery 1988 in Los Angeles
Show Opening: 02.03.09, 7-10 p.m.

If you're in or around the Los Angeles area, be sure to check out Brandt Peters first ever L.A. solo-exhibition "Cackle Factory". This showcase will feature all new works by Brandt, including such items as original paintings, giclee prints and custom toys. Gallery 1988 in Los Angeles will be hosting this showcase and it's opening tonight(02.03.09). You can find out more info by going to brandtpeters.com, where Brandt has unveiled a whole new website design to coincide with this event.

CACKLE FACTORY - Full Preview


MISS CONTENT (collaboration with Kathie Olivas)

www.brandtpeters.com
www.gallery1988.com

GHOSTS OF THE BARBARY COAST by JEREMY FISH

GHOSTS OF THE BARBARY COAST by Jeremy Fish
Where: FIFTY24SF Gallery, San Francisco
When: Show Opening is 12.04.08, 7:30 - 9PM

San Francisco's own Jeremy Fish has put together a solo exhibition called "Ghosts of the Barbary Coast". The exhibition is hosted by Upper Playground and will be held at FIFTY24SF Gallery.

Info posted by Jeremey Fish:

"The artwork in this show is my personal interpretation of some of San Francisco’s more colorful founding folklore. The goal for this show is to gain a better understanding of San Francisco’s formative heroes, and honor them in my drawings, paintings, and sculpture, as well as, finding parallels to the early days of San Francisco in today’s contemporary San Francisco, and the cyclical nature of this city and its ill behaviors."



To preview some of the show pieces CLICK HERE

www.superfishalsf.com
www.upperplayground.com