WALRUS TV ARTIST FEATURE: DAVID CHOE INTERVIEW

WALRUS TV ARTIST FEATURE: DAVID CHOE INTERVIEW
Complete details @ upperplayground.com

Info posted by Upper Playground:

David Choe is a favorite at Upper Playground as we’ve witnessed his progression as an artist over the years, through his recurrent involvement with the company. In this interview from the “Dithers” DVD, you get a glimpse of the man behind the art, and the cleverness you witness as he speaks becomes amplified when viewed in the context of his masterful paintings. Much more than an artist, David Choe has a personality to match his talent. Watch the interview from "Dithers," available for the first time to the public for free, on Walrus TV.

source: upperplayground.com

www.davidchoe.com
www.upperplayground.com

THE BIG PAYBACK - CHARITY AUCTION EVENT

THE BIG PAYBACK - CHARITY AUCTION EVENT
Complete details @ juxtapoz.com

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE:

THE BIG PAYBACK, Juxtapoz Magazine's 15th Anniversary Art Auction is now live and you can bid on pieces online at CharityBuzz.com.

On November 14th, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.(PST), all of the pieces that are a part of the auction will be on display at the Factory Place Arts Complex. To attend this must see show with works from over 140 artists including Matthew Barney, Swoon and WK Interact, please RSVP to RSVP@SASTUDIOSGLOBAL.COM.

Proceeds from “The Big Payback” auction will support the goal of purchasing five homes and employing local Detroit contractors, electricians, plumbers, and carpenters to perform the renovations. Selected artists will also be invited to participate in the remodeling.

The event aims to raise the consciousness of both the problems of people disenfranchised by the nation’s economic crisis, as well as encourage a sense of community in the art world and inspire people to effect positive social change in their own communities.

FACTORY PLACE ARTS COMPLEX
1330 Factory Place, Bldg A
Los Angeles, CA 90013

source: juxtapoz.com, upperplayground.com

www.juxtapoz.com

WALRUS TV ARTIST FEATURE: DOZE GREEN INTERVIEW

WALRUS TV ARTIST FEATURE: DOZE GREEN INTERVIEW
Complete details @ upperplayground.com

Info posted by Upper Playground:

Doze Green merges influences from his East Coast graffiti and b-boy background with a painting style he refined on the West Coast. The resulting artwork is complex and intensely symbolic, serving as a means of both social commentary and self-awareness. His interest in the duality of the human condition is reflected throughout his pieces. Doze Green's work has been displayed in cities across Europe, Japan, Australia, and the United States. Watch the interview, on Walrus TV.

"Going in and out, it's pulling stuff from inside. It's based on magic; it's about shadow; it's about darkness; it's about light; it's about understanding; it's about destruction. It's about build-destroy." -Doze Green

source: upperplayground.com

www.dozegreen.com
www.upperplayground.com

WALRUS TV ARTIST FEATURE: KOFIE INTERVIEW

WALRUS TV ARTIST FEATURE: KOFIE INTERVIEW
Complete details @ upperplayground.com

Info posted by Upper Playground:

Born and raised in Los Angeles, the influence of the city surfaces in Kofie’s spiraling, mechanical structures, which often resemble abstracted cityscapes and industrial developments. Involved in street art as a teenager, his work began as traditional graffiti-inspired characters; over time, as he began breaking down those characters, they evolved into the massive, architectural paintings he’s now revered for. In addition to appearing on his Draftsmen clothing line and in numerous magazines, Kofie’s artwork has been displayed in exhibitions in major cities throughout Japan and the United States, including Tokyo, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, and Boston. Watch the interview from “The Run Up,” available for the first time to the public for free, on Walrus TV.

source: upperplayground.com

www.keepdrafting.com
www.upperplayground.com

WALRUS TV ARTIST FEATURE: MIKE GIANT INTERVIEW

WALRUS TV ARTIST FEATURE: MIKE GIANT INTERVIEW
Complete details @ upperplayground.com

Info posted by Upper Playground:

Mike Giant’s art is found on skateboards, walls, t-shirts, and even skin. Although found in different forms and venues, his signature black & white style holds true to the sense of urban surrealism often linked to the skateboard, tattoo and graffiti culture, while still being recognizably unique. Mike Giant’s art has been displayed in galleries from San Francisco, where he resides, to Los Angeles, Spain and Australia. He has also launched his own clothing line, Rebel 8, which highlights his work on everything from tees to hats. Watch the interview from “Dithers,” available for the first time to the public for free, on Walrus TV.

source: upperplayground.com

www.mikegiant.com
www.youtube.com/walrustv

MONTANA X EL MAC/RETNA - LIMITED EDITION ARTIST SPRAY CAN

MONTANA X EL MAC/RETNA
Now available @ upperplayground.com

Info posted by Upper Playground:

Upper Playground recently announced a collaborative project with Montana Colors to create artist series Hardcore cans by four artists. The third MTN x UP Limited Edition artist can in the series features the collaborative work of El Mac and Retna.

Each of these artists has developed his own distinctive style and technique; Retna is renowned especially for his bold calligraphic brushwork, and Mac for his uniquely stylized painting of lifelike faces and figures; El Mac uses spraypaint and Retna uses spraypaint and acrylic for paintings; oil, acrylic, enamel, pencil, and other mediums on paper, canvas, and wood.

El Mac and Retna have combined forces a number of times in recent years, and have gained increasing attention and applause for the powerful and beautiful murals they’ve painted in Los Angeles and several other cities around the globe. Last month, they released Alianza, a 96-page hardcover book that highlights their collaborations, along with a selection of individual paintings and photos by each artist, as well as a collection of lifestyle photos, photos of the artists working and their travels, and close-up views of the murals themselves.

The MTN x UP El Mac/Retna Limited Edition artist can and Alianza are available now in limited quantities and will be sold at Upper Playground retail stores and online on the Upper Playground web store.

source: upperplayground.com

www.upperplayground.com

SNEAK PEEK: UPPER PLAYGROUND CATALOG

SNEAK PEEK: UPPER PLAYGROUND CATALOG
More info @ upperplayground.com

Info posted by Upper Playground:

Our Q4 Catalog is hot off of the press. Along with illustrative spreads the 88-page catalog is loaded with interviews and features on leading contemporary artists, industry insiders and collaborators coinciding with upcoming releases from Upper Playground and FIFTY24SF Gallery. The catalog spotlights our newest micro-collection collaborations with full interviews, previews of upcoming gallery shows and various special projects that Upper Playground has brewing. Usugrow, Grotesk, Estevan Oriol, Montana Colors, Jeremy Fish, David Choe, and Herbert Baglione are just a handful of the artists and collaborators featured.

The catalogs will be only be available as of November 1st at Upper Playground stores and packed in with all online orders.



source: upperplayground.com

www.upperplayground.com

WALRUS TV ARTIST FEATURE: QUICK AND SEEN

WALRUS TV ARTIST FEATURE: QUICK AND SEEN
Complete details @ upperplayground.com

Info posted by Upper Playground:

We keep leaving images wherever we go…It’s hard to put in words, but we really believe in our art. Guys like us aren’t gonna stop. -Quik

Veteran graffiti writer Quik’s work has been integral to New York graff culture. Throughout the 1970’s and 80’s, his vibrant, bubble letter pieces covered NYC trains and subways. As one of the era’s influential writers, his tags appeared alongside the work of artists such as Zephyr, Futura 2000, and Revolt. Quik’s paintings have since been displayed in galleries and museums in New York, Amsterdam, and throughout Europe. Watch Ricky Powell have a conversation with Quik and Seen from “Dithers,” available for the first time to the public for free, on Walrus TV.

www.upperplayground.com

JUXTAPOZ & UPPER PLAYGROUND PRESENTS "THE BIG PAYBACK" - CHARITY AUCTION EVENT

"THE BIG PAYBACK" - CHARITY AUCTION
Complete details @ upperplayground.com

PRESS RELEASE:

"The Big Payback" - Charity Auction

**All Proceeds from the Event Support Power House Project of Detroit**

Juxtapoz Art & Culture Magazine celebrates its 15th anniversary with “The Big Payback,” an online charity art auction and a special event in Los Angeles hosted by Upper Playground. The event benefits the non-profit Power House Project of Detroit.

”The Big Payback” auction features original artwork from over 100 national and internationally renowned contemporary artists including: Swoon, CR Stecyk III, Robert Williams, Todd Schorr, Estevan Oriol, Mister Cartoon, Shepard Fairey, Doze Green, Todd “Reas” James, Thomas Campbell, Tim Biskup, KR, Big Daddy Roth, WK Interact, Clayton Brothers, Andrew Schoultz, James Jean, Ron English, David Choe, Mike Giant, Paul Insect, Jeremy Fish, Alex Pardee, Saber, David Ellis, Boogie, D*Face, Cody Hudson & Herbert Baglione.

From November 9-19, 2009, the public can bid on artwork by visiting: http://www.juxtapoz.com/Auction/

All proceeds from the auction to be donated to the Power House Project to help purchase and renovate foreclosed and abandoned homes in the Detroit area.

SAVE THE DATE

In celebration of the auction and Juxtapoz’s 15th anniversary, Upper Playground will host an exclusive event in Los Angeles on November 14, 2009 to view the featured artwork on display and meet with the contributing artists.

WHEN: Saturday, November 14, 2009 from 7-11 pm
WHERE: The Factory Place Arts Complex, 1308 Factory Place, Los Angeles, CA 90013

www.juxtapoz.com
www.upperplayground.com

BEYOND JAZZ MUSIC SERIES & UPPER PLAYGROUND PRESENT: 9TH WONDER AT YOSHI'S

BEYOND JAZZ MUSIC SERIES & UPPER PLAYGROUND PRESENT:
"9TH WONDER AT YOSHI'S"

PRESS RELEASE:

On September 9th, Yoshi's is hosting the first of the Beyond Jazz Music Series performances that fuse hip hop, jazz, R&B and rock - bringing you a live musical experience you won't hear anywhere else. The first of the series includes performances by The 9's - 9th Wonder with Broun Fellinis and Tyler Woods. You'll be seeing the flyers around town - try to get your hands on one since they are designed by UP's very own Jeremy Fish. Your ticket price includes entry to the after party. Get your tickets because they're going fast!

source: upperplayground.com

www.upperplayground.com
www.yoshis.com

WALRUS TV: ARTIST FEATURE - D*FACE INTERVIEW

WALRUS TV: ARTIST FEATURE - D*FACE INTERVIEW
Complete details @ upperplayground.com

Info posted by Upper Playground:

"I just want to leave this mark or be creative within this environment I’ve grown up within…[the] aggressive city that is London." -D*Face

Street artist D*Face makes humorous and satirical commentary with his posters and sculptures, encouraging viewers to re-evaluate their urban environment. With his striking characters and subversively reworked pop icons, he calls attention to consumerism, media, and a public fascination with fame. Citing ‘80’s-era punk rock, skateboard graphics, and Thrasher Skateboard Magazine as major influences, D*Face’s signature aesthetic serves as a culmination of such interests. Based in London, his work has appeared on the streets and in galleries throughout the United Kingdom and the United States. Watch the interview on Walrus TV.

ARTIST BIO:

D*Face grew up in London and had a childhood interest in graffiti when he was exposed to Henry Chalfant's coverage of New York subway graffiti in Spraycan Art and Subway Art. Later as a teenager skateboarding, he was inspired by Thrasher Skateboard Magazine’s coverage of skateboard deck graphics, which led to his interest in stickers and the DIY mentality associated with skate and punk fanzines. He attended an illustration and design course and worked as a freelance illustrator/designer while honing his street work. Influences included Shepard Fairey's "Obey Giant" art campaign, Jim Philips, hip hop, punk music, and popular animated cartoons.
http://www.dface.co.uk/



source: upperplayground.com

www.dface.co.uk
www.youtube.com/walrustv
www.upperplayground.com

EL MAC PRINT INFO AND SHOW RECAP

EL MAC PRINT INFO AND SHOW RECAP
Complete details @ upperplayground.com

Info posted by Upper Playground:

On August 6, 2009, El Mac's "Faces of Life" show opened at FIFTY24SF to crowds of eager fans waiting to get a glimpse of his paintings. The show featured large to medium size burlap canvases done with spray paint, featuring faces of different girls Mac knows, using mostly black & white or gray tones with just a little bit of color added. The show turned out beautifully - each of the pieces a testament to El Mac's talent, detail and meticulous can control.

To coincide with the show, El Mac in conjunction with Paperworks Lab is releasing a print, "Song of Songs". It’s a 7 color hand pulled serigraph that is in a very limited edition of 50 pieces. Printed on black Stonehenge 310 gsm 100% cotton archival deckled edge paper sized at a massive 30x40 inches. FIFTY24SF Gallery has sold out of its prints but if you act quickly, you may still be able to get some online through Paperworks Lab.



source: upperplayground.com

www.elmac.net
www.paperworklabs.com
www.upperplayground.com

"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

UPPER PLAYGROUND X FECAL FACE: WIN A TRIP TO SAN FRANCISCO

UPPER PLAYGROUND X FECAL FACE X SAN FRANCISCO
Complete details @ upperplayground.com

Info posted by Upper Playground:

San Francisco, CA – Bay Area art purveyors Upper Playground and Fecal Face have gotten together to offer art lovers the trip of a lifetime to San Francisco. One lucky winner and their guest will have the chance to visit San Francisco, have dinner with artist Jeremy Fish and get a personal tour of the city with the founders of Fecal Face - all while staying at Upper Playground’s FIFTY24SF Artist Studios.

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

• Round trip to SFO for winner +1
• 5 night stay at Upper Playground’s FIFTY24SF Artist Studios
• Dinner and a historic Barbary Coast mini tour with Jeremy Fish
• Meet artist Mel Kadel at her show opening on 9.10 at Fecal Face’s Dot Gallery
• Personal tour of San Francisco with Fecal Face founders, John and Jessica Trippe

Contest Registration Form: Click HERE
Official Contest Rules: Click HERE

www.upperplayground.com
www.fecalface.com

WALRUS TV: ARTIST FEATURE - DAVE KINSEY

WALRUS TV: ARTIST FEATURE - DAVE KINSEY
Complete details @ upperplayground.com

Info posted by Upper Playground:

"I try to do something that could potentially make people think a little bit more, at least about themselves or their perception on the world or their surroundings or what they’re doing. Hopefully people will open up a little more." -Dave Kinsey

Whether found on the street or a gallery, Dave Kinsey's pieces serve as “communication as art.” Inspired by city life, his illustrated urban dwellers encourage viewers to rethink their surroundings and their own interactions with the urban environment. As the founder of BLK/MRKT Gallery, he remains heavily involved with, and influential, in the contemporary art scene. Dave Kinsey has been included in exhibitions throughout Europe and the United States. Watch the interview from “Dithers,” available for the first time to the public for free, on Walrus TV.

source: upperplayground.com

www.davekinsey.com
www.youtube.com/walrustv
www.upperplayground.com

WALRUS TV: JEFF SOTO INTERVIEW

WALRUS TV: JEFF SOTO INTERVIEW
Complete details @ upperplayground.com

Info posted by Upper Playground:

Jeff Soto’s intricate paintings are built of robotic figures and sprawling, organic landscapes. As a prominent member of the Lowbrow (or Pop Surrealism) art movement, the influence of graffiti, pop culture, and comics is quickly apparent. Yet nature always remains the crux of his work, as he’s interested in the ways we are affecting our environment. Jeff Soto’s work has appeared as commissioned illustrations and in galleries throughout the United States and Europe. Watch the interview from “The Run Up, available for the first time to the public for free, on Walrus TV.

source: youtube.com/user/WalrusTV

www.upperplayground.com

WALRUS TV: REVOLT - ARTIST INTERVIEW

WALRUS TV: REVOLT - ARTIST INTERVIEW
Complete details @ upperplayground.com

Info posted by Upper Playground:

Graffiti veteran, Revolt (sometimes also dubbed “Dr. Revolt”) is recognized for his bright and elaborate Wild Style piece. His pieces draw upon pop culture, influenced by everything ranging from comic books to hip-hop, to Clint Eastwood to cult classics. Based in New York, he’s contributed to “Wild Style,” “Style Wars,” music videos, and created the “Yo! MTV Raps” logo. Get an inside view into the artist’s world as Ricky Powell interviews Dr. Revolt about his place in graffiti history. Watch the interview from “Dithers,” available for the first time to the public for free, on Walrus TV.

source: youtube.com/user/WalrusTV

www.upperplayground.com

KILLJOY - ART EXHIBIT by JIM KOCH

KILLJOY - ART EXHIBIT by Jim Koch
Hosted by FIFTY24SEA Gallery

Upper Playground and FIFTY24SEA Gallery present to you Killjoy, an art exhibit featuring Jim Koch. You can expect to see a new collection of works that include toys, illustrations and paintings. A new skatedeck designed by Jim Koch is scheduled to release as well. The opening reception for Killjoy is set at Friday, July 17, 2009 from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. So be sure to stop by and check out what looks to be another promising event by Jim Koch and the folks at Upper Playground.

Opening Reception: Friday, July 17, 2009, 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Event Dates: July 17, 2009 through August 17, 2009



UPPER PLAYGROUND / FIFTY24SEA Gallery
4730 University Way NE
SEATTLE / U-District

www.jimkoch.com
www.upperplayground.com

UPPER PLAYGROUND: DRAGON BOY by SAM FLORES

UPPER PLAYGROUND: DRAGON BOY by Sam Flores
Pre-order now @ upperplayground.com

Info posted by Upper Playground:

Upper Playground is proud to present the newest in a series of vinyl figures slated for release in 2009 – Dragon Boy designed by Sam Flores. Known for his signature characters and fusing them with Asian motifs, Flores’ Dragon Boy fuses his influences in this new groundbreaking figure. “I've been traveling [to]…a lot of places in Asia; I pick up a lot of things, styles and aesthetics. I'm infatuated with the beauty and architecture…the lines and attention to detail of everything.” (Interview with Modart).

Unlike most other vinyl figures, the Dragon Boy is made up of 3 pieces creating the illusion of the dragon floating through the clouds. The figure measures 10” tall and the head, midsection and tail feature extremely detailed gradient blends. Dragon Boy will come housed in a double-sided window box with a scenic insert card. Limited to 500 units, Dragon Boy is slated to release in early September but is available for presale on the Upper Playground web store.



SAM FLORES' "DRAGON BOY" IS AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER AT UPPER PLAYGROUND'S ONLINE STORE NOW!!!

source: upperplayground.com

www.samflores.com
www.upperplayground.com