UPPER PLAYGROUND

Upperplayground News

“THE MODERN CONDITION”: LATEST WORKS OF DAVE KINSEY

by Ariadna Zierold

dave kinsey, the modern condition, works, painting, abstract, the citrus report, upper playground

Dave Kinsey’s latest work “The Modern Condition” is a set of 9 works on canvas composed of acrylic and collage (old book pages, discarded mail and paper), in medium and large scale.

dave kinsey, the modern condition, works, painting, abstract, the citrus report, upper playground

His work captures the universal essence of the human condition mainly through an energetic portrayal of urban figures. Working spontaneously, and utilizing a range of mediums, he constructs multi-layered, textured environments easily likened to the complexities of contemporary life. His portraits depict beings who are both triumphant in their defiant stance to their surroundings, and tragic, as they transmit a visual display of raw emotion and jangled nerves.

dave kinsey, the modern condition, works, painting, abstract, the citrus report, upper playground

These latest works are a continuation of where Kinsey left off with his last show “Cusion of Memory” at the Library Street Collective in Detroit. He is currently taking cues from the natural world when it comes to the overall aesthetic of these sculpturesque paintings, set within dreamlike landscapes using detailed yet suggestive imagery, tones and textures.

dave kinsey, the modern condition, works, painting, abstract, the citrus report, upper playground

 

These works are imbued with semi-abstracted figures and objects that become metaphors or symbols that ambiguously reference contemporary issues such as overpopulation, money, power, climate change, consumerism and the everyday dynamics of contemporary life.

dave kinsey, the modern condition, works, painting, abstract, the citrus report, upper playground

“The most difficult thing about creating a painting is going through the process of finding a connection in what I see and feel in the world around me, while also seeking a visual harmony between the beauty and chaos of the human experience.” Dave Kinsey

dave kinsey, the modern condition, works, painting, abstract, the citrus report, upper playground

This body of work encapsulates that balance and provides a diverse and energetic aesthetic of that environment.

dave kinsey, the modern condition, works, painting, abstract, the citrus report, upper playground dave kinsey, the modern condition, works, painting, abstract, the citrus report, upper playground

Watch this studio visit.

 

 

FIFTY24SF Gallery Presents “Pareidolia” a Solo-Exhibition by David Choong Lee

David Choong Lee, Fifty24SF Gallery, Pareidolia, Upper Playground, San Francisco

FIFTY24SF GALLERY in association with Upper Playground is proud to announce the opening of our upcoming exhibition “Pareidolia” a Solo-Exhibition by David Choong Lee 이충엽. Opening Saturday, October 24th at 7:00pm. David Choong Lee combines elements of graffiti, collage, graphic design, portraiture, and classical realism. He was born in Seoul, Korea in 1966 and moved to the US in 1993 to pursue traditional fine art at the Academy of Art, where he currently teaches.  For inquiries about the show please contactgallery@fifty24sf.com.

Upper Playground at TREASURE ISLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL

Treasure Island Music Festival, Upper Playground, Merch, Vendor, Deadmau5, CHVRCHES, Big Grams, The National

Capping off the end of the Festival Season in style, Treasure Island Music Festival has always been one of our favorites in the Bay. This year is sure to be another stellar mix of great music, rad art, good looking people and awesome vendors 🙂 . Whether you come to enjoy one day or two, make sure to stop by the booth and say hi.

NEW UP BEANIES

Beanies, Upper Playground, Pom, Cuff, Cold, Headwear

The seasons have changed, the weather patterns have shifted and your ears are starting to get numb more often. Don’t let yourself become a victim to the lower temperatures. Cover your cranium and warm up with some of the newest additions to our beanie collection with the Bipolar Cuff Beanie in Forest & Khaki, Bipolar Cuff Beanie in Grey & Olive and the ITS FUCKING COLD Pom Beanie. Cruise over to the store or online at upperplayground.com and grab yours today!

Beanies, Upper Playground, Pom, Cuff, Cold, HeadwearBeanies, Upper Playground, Pom, Cuff, Cold, HeadwearBeanies, Upper Playground, Pom, Cuff, Cold, HeadwearBeanies, Upper Playground, Pom, Cuff, Cold, Headwear

Beanies, Upper Playground, Pom, Cuff, Cold, Headwear

Beanies, Upper Playground, Pom, Cuff, Cold, Headwear

Beanies, Upper Playground, Pom, Cuff, Cold, Headwear

“NUESTRA GENTE”, NEWEST MURAL BY EL MAC IN PHOENIX, ARIZONA

by Ariadna Zierold

El Mac recently stopped by Phoenix in Arizona a few monthas ago where he created this large-scale mural entitled “Nuestra Gente” (Our People).

el mac, nuestra gente, phoenix, arizona, mural, the citrus report, upper playground

The background designs around the face were painted by Mando Rascón, and the outer images on the ends of the mural were painted by Pablo Luna.

Mando and Pablo were known in the 90s as pioneers of graffiti in Phoenix. Pablo began painting graffiti in the early 80s and became one of Phoenix’s most prolific painters, while Mando perfected a style of intricate lettering that was unique and influential.

el mac, nuestra gente, phoenix, arizona, mural, the citrus report, upper playground

The American artist painted the center-part which is featuring a beautiful portrait painted with his signature striation technique.