Throughout history and in fables and pop culture, every underdog has possessed a vital asset that led to success: passion. The same can be said about art and apparel brand Zerofriends. Originally a small group of imaginative artists who shared a desire to create obscure, unique, and borderline demented artwork, Zerofriends has grown into a collective whose work has gained worldwide recognition. This is due in part to the artists’ uncompromising approach to their work and the DIY operation of the business that has sprouted from the passion of the artists involved. This book showcases the artists and illustrators who have played a major role in establishing the Zerofriends brand as one of the most unique and inspiring collections in the industry. Featured artists include Alex Pardee, Tara McPherson, Greg “Craola” Simkins, Skinner, Dave Correia, Robert Bowen, Jon Wayshak, Jason Edmiston, and others.

172 Pages, Hardcover, 8 1⁄2” x 11”, 250 Illustrations

You can pick up a copy here online.

Mexican muralist and artist  Jesús Benítez, known previously as ‘Dhear’ made his way to San Francisco this month and has been focused on the preparations for his solo show, ‘Thesis’ at Fifty24SF Gallery.  Set to open this Friday, July 11th, 7pm, the show marks his first North American solo show after several duos with Smithe One.  Despite recurring health difficulties and challenges,  Jesús has been steadily working his beat and maintaining his presence in the world of street art and muralists.  His latest mural, gargantuan in size covered a giant facade of a public Hospital in Mexico and took him about a month to complete.  The ambitious project won him over many more admirers of his work and put a stamp on his talent as one of the up and coming visionary muralists of his generation.

He’s currently working on a distinct mural inside the Fifty24SF Gallery for the show and we are covering his progress as he works:

Barcelona based artist, ARYZ, world renown for his elegant murals of gargantuan proportion has recently completed his third mural of this year. Standing at least 13 stories high, the new mural titled ‘Príap i Demèter‘ is in Granollers, Catalunya.

Anyone who knows f**k-all about t-shirts will tell you that the greatest tie-dyed animal tees in the world come from the legendary brand known as “THE MOUNTAIN”.

We at Upper Playground respect this level of accomplishment in the T-shirt world (game recognize game), and have proudly embarked on a collaboration with the grand champion of animal tee shirts. Introducing the Upper Playground x The Mountain “Walrus Face” collaboration. Wear this T-shirt and think “two great tee brands joined forces so that I could wear this epic Walrus Face tee” and somehow the world is suddenly a better place to be.

Sneak a peek of the up coming show ‘Thesis’ at Fifty24SF Gallery by famed Mexican muralist and illustrator Jesús Benítez (also known as Dhear).  The show will mark the young artist’s first North American solo-show, opening July 11th, 2014, 7PM.  Visit www.fifty24sf.com for more information.