Lucy McLauchlan's "Together" Opens at Lazarides Gallery Friday

Lucy McLauchlan at Lazarides Gallery

A few weeks in iphone photos in and around the gallery

National Lampoons Monologue was up shortly during the Porous Walker Install

Nobody is Watching YOu

Kristin Farr brought us cupcakes on Wednesday!

Porous Walker Skateboards

Eddie in Hayes Valley coffee break

James Jean Chairman Bao Bun Truck

Rene Almanza at 111 Minna

Erica il Cane Coming November to FIFTY24SF Gallery

Checkout their work at "Breakin' the Wall":

Dem/Ericailcane/Jiem/Vova Vorotniov / Breaking the Wall/ Outofsth.org from Zbiok on Vimeo.

The artists invited to participate in “Breakin’ the Wall” are prominent representatives world urban art: Mudwig (Bristol), Dem (Milan), Fefe Telavera (San Paulo/Madrid), Vova Vorotniov (Kiev), Escif (Valencia), Erica Il Cane (Bologna), Jiem (Lille), SickBoy (London) and Zosen (Barcelona). Their murals will reflect on the identity and existence of the post-1989 generation, as well as the celebrated anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Even though there was no concrete structure to pull down in Wrocław’s history, it is clear that there will be lots of walls to get rid of in the future. Just as the Berliners struggle with the demons of their history, the residents of Wrocław, marked with their own tempestuous past, will have to face problems to solve as well. World War Two and the post-war times had a powerful impact on the mentality of its citizens. What was – and still is – the city we live in? For young people, Wrocław is a blank sheet – they see the burden of its history as a challenge rather than a liability. If our life is conditioned by the past of the place we live in, then it’s the capital of Lower Silesia that appears to be a perfect place for such a confrontation.

Curators: Joanna Stembalska and Sławek ZBK Czajkowski

The real opening night interview with FIFTY24SF Gallery resident artist, Mr Porous Walker

THE CITRUS REPORT INTERVIEW

THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR COMING OUT TONIGHT!

A Letter from Porous Walker

FIFTY24SF Gallery presents ‘Haricots Magiques: The Final Attempt by Porous Walker’ with an opening celebration occurring Friday, June 4th at 7:30PM.  While conventional press release etiquette would have us provide you with a detailed account of the motivations behind the artists show riddled with flowery adjectives, this is a Porous Walker show; so instead we leave you solely with this open letter from Porous himself.  Enjoy: Dear Reader,

I'm honestly a bigger fan of art than I am an actual artist.  I've tried to stop drawing, sculpting, arting but I can't seem to stop.  I'm addicted to that feeling of seeing amazing artwork, ideas and feeling the energy and spirit that created them and than allowing myself to let go and just make what I want.

I really try to work hard on my drawings, and I hope to live long enough to get to a point where I make something visually pleasing as well as purely concept driven.

I'm also looking for a job.

I live in Napa. I'm 35 years old. I want you and me both to laugh more than we don't and above all I want to inspire people to share what's in their minds.

My website is http://www.theothergoogle.com. My telephone is (707) 225-5173

Please come to my art show on June 4, 2010.

I am making some new artwork for the show, as well as creating a couple redux versions of some of my sculptures I made in the early 2000's.

I hope to have some free gifts for everyone that stops by the art show opening.  I have also invited a few friends of mine to join me to share some of their artworks as well.  Among those confirmed as of now:

Kristin Farr (http://www.kristinfarr.com) & Aaron Hodges

And probably a few more surprises.

Also, I have invited my good friends, 'Snugglemachine'  to play some live music and compliment people who come to the show.

All the best,

Porous Walker

Porous Walker

via Upper Playground News

Greg "Craola" Simkins

“Seeing Things” Simkins began drawing at an early age and started doing graffiti under name Craola. Graffiti art became his impetus for creating and gave him the confidence to paint large works. In addition, it taught him perspective, color theory and further developed artistic skills, which later translated into his work with acrylics. His outlandish dreamt of characters are part of a fantasy sideshow, inspired by elements from pop culture, the old masters, nature, carnival kitsch and most importantly, a warped imagination. It is the careful weaving of these elements that makes Greg Simkins a sought after surrealist painter today.

Simkins’ work has been featured in numerous group exhibitions and has successfully sold out five solo exhibitions. His art is seen in a wide variety of industries from clothing to video games and has also come to life in the form of toys. His client/collaboration list includes Disney, Mattel, Upper Playground, Juxtapoz, To Die For, Vans, Converse, AFI, Saosin, Gym Class Heroes, Pennywise, STRANGEco, Ningyoushi, Kid Robot, Zero Friends, Epitaph, Dark Horse, Iron Fist and Pulse International.

Ben Tour ARTIST PROFILE

Alex Pardee

"Letters from Digested Children" In “Letters From Digested Children,” Alex Pardee pays homage to the children who are eaten by monsters.  Alex states: Each year, thousands of children turn up missing. Some are found. But most, unfortunately, are not. Many of the children are victims of abduction, some are runaways, and a large handful of them . . . have been EATEN by monsters.

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.

Jeremy Fish "Weathering the Storm"

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

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!

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

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.

More from "Move"... Melinda Beck and Jason Polan

As promised... two more "Move" artists for your viewing pleasure.

Melinda Beck

Melinda Beck is a Brooklyn-based illustrator and graphic designer who received her BFA in graphic design from Rhode Island School of Design in 1989.  Her clients include: Nike, MTV, Nickelodeon, Entertainment Weekly, Rolling Stone, Time Magazine, The Progressive, New York Times, Newsweek, and Island Records.  She has received awards from publications such as Print Magazine, Communication Arts, Society of Publication Designers, American Illustration, The Art Directors Club, The AIGA, ID Magazine, and The Society of Illustrators.

Melinda has most recently been featured in a new acquisitions show at The Library of Congress.

Jason Polan

Jason Polan currently lives in New York City and is a freelance artist from Michigan. His work has been exhibited around the United States and Europe with work appearing in ARTnews, Metropolis Magazine, and The New Yorker.

Jason is a member of the 53rd Street Biological Society and the Taco Bell Drawing Club.  It has been said that he is attempting to draw every person in New York.  His books have been very successful, with the highest acclaim given to Every Piece of Art in the Museum of Modern Art.

Stay tuned for more close ups.....

The Artists of the "Move"...

Since there's such a large number of artists involved in Rich Jacobs 19th installment of "Move",  we thought breaking it down into smaller bits would be a good way to help you get to know the art behind the names. Starting...

....now.

Jordin Isip

A native of Queens, NY, Jordon Isip’s mixed-media works have been featured in publications like The New York Times, Rolling Stone, Time, The Atlantic Monthly, Adbusters, and Juxtapoz.  He received his BFA from Rhode Island School of Design and his work has been showcased across the United States in various galleries.  His work has also reached international galleries including the Musee D’histoire Contemporaine in Paris and the Galleria Comunale D’Arte Moderna E Contemporanea in Rome.  He has claimed Brooklyn, NY as his new home since receiving his BFA.

Jordin has brought his knowledge to instruct at Rhode Island School of Design, Tyler School of Art, and School of Visual Arts.  Presently, Jordin is an instructor at Parsons School of Design and Pratt Institute.

Eric White

Brooklyn, NY is the current stomping grounds for Eric White.  Born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, he received his BFA studying illustration at Rhode Island School of Design.  Eric then moved to California where he spent the following decade before moving to his current location.  His art explores the metaphysical and those things that exist far beyond our perception.  However, Eric never seriously considered his paintings or drawings until the end of high school.

Galleries across the United States have featured Eric White’s work and he has also been shown in galleries in Tokyo, Paris, Toronto, Belgium, and Brussels

Check back this week for more on the artists in "Move #19"...

or for more information please visit FIFTY24SF.com

Move #19- opening Reception Recap

Thank you to everybody who came out last Thursday for the opening reception of Rich Jacobs " Move #19"- "He said he was enjoying the donuts for the most part, and laughing hysterically." Some of the art community's most innovative illustrators,  photographers, graphic designers, music makers, writers (JockoWeyland), and all around good people gathered to celebrate the opening of "Move #19".  With wine from Bear Flag, fresh donuts from Bob's in the tenderloin (rumored to have killer fresh donuts at midnight), and milk for your donuts, and rad art how could you go wrong.

The stories flowed like wine as the artists, most of which are old friends, shared anecdotes about each other, and caught up on current happenings.

Images courtesy of Robynne from Bear Flag wine.

Check back this week for close ups on the artists involved in this show...

Sneak peak...Move #19- Opens Tomorrow! 7-9:30pm

We don't want to give away the whole enchilada... but we can spare a tortilla or two...

Rich Jacobs' "MOVE #19" opens TOMORRROW Oct. 1st, 2009

7-9:30pm

If you like art and/or donuts join us tomorrow for the opening reception of

Move #19 "He said he was enjoying the donuts for the most part, and laughing hysterically."

It's that time again...

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.

Bay area Graffiti Legend 'Vogue' stops by for a visit.

Sitting in the gallery with one of my interns working out our plan for the day, a familiar face made an appearance in our doorway.  Vogue, one of the forefathers of Bay area graffiti, stepped in to get a better look at Mac's new show. Shrugging his shoulders sheepishly he says, " Well it was a bit difficult to get a really good look at the show during the opening so I thought I'd swing by when it was less crowded."  Now residing outside of the city, he doesn't often make the trek over the bridge. As with all artists, their humble beginnings are (to me) the most fascinating. So, of course, I asked Vogue how and why he began painting graffiti...

He simply responded, " PBS. Style Wars man."

You could see on his face that he was immediately transported back to a time when hitting up walls was very underground, very exhilarating, and a unifying endeavor. In the very beginning the concepts of turf and crews were more innocent. He described it more like boys joining  a secret tree-house club in a neighbors backyard...just less legal.

Curious as to how someone became involved in a crew, if it was only a budding movement back then in SF, I asked him what a crew consisted of.

" Well, back then (1983-84) it was more of a secret thing...you would have your secret spots, you would eyeball other guys and wonder if they too were hitting up walls around the city. Since there weren't many of us out there we naturally gravitated towards each other."  He describes that time period as the "golden age", a time when supplies were scarce and he and his friends would wander into hardware stores to ehm... 'borrow' the necessary tools.

Laughingly, he recounts a time when he and his friend needed caps and had no money. His friend, who was planning on becoming a pilot (at the time), refused to help him ' borrow' supplies for fear of consequence so Vogue went in for a solo mission. With a sparkle in his eye he tells us how he used to un-cap the can, bite off the cap, and store the tips in his cheeks. Like a chipmunk ready for winter he would walk out a happy man.

Not being very well versed in the art of 'borrowing' supplies I asked him why he would bite the tips off and keep them in his mouth? Laughing he says, " Well, it's the fastest way- pop the top, bite and store- pop the cap back on and you move on to the next can. It's not like now when you can walk into a store and ask for whichever tip you need. We had to learn it all on our own.We had to learn which tips could produce what and how to find and acquire those tips."

Now running a successful company out in San Leandro, Vogue doesn't paint as often as he would like, "too much at risk..." he says, "... and besides, my lady can't stand it when I go out to paint." (he shrugs charmingly).

"So, does that mean you no longer paint , apart from your job?" I asked, astonished that after 25 years on the scene someone could get that out of their blood.

He laughed and shook his head. " Naw, I still get up."