Fifty24SF Hosting Solo Show, Book Signing For Japanese Artist Usugrow

Fifty24SF Hosting Solo Show, Book Signing For Japanese Artist UsugrowUsugrow via Fifty24SF
Mike Gaworecki
Published on September 26, 2014
Japanese artist and illustrator Usugrow is having his first stateside solo show since 2007 at the Lower Haight’s venerable FIFTY24SF Gallery (218 Fillmore St.). The opening reception goes down next Saturday, October 4th starting at 7pm, and Usugrow will be in attendance.

As it happens, Usugrow’s last US show was also at FIFTY24SF Gallery, according to gallery director Trevor Martin. The new show, INKFLOW, is essentially a retrospective of Usugrow’s work in the intervening seven years, Martin says, but will also feature some new pieces.

Martin, who has been the gallery director since 2012, is excited about Usugrow’s new material.

"He combines traditional Japanese calligraphy, pointillism, and cholo culture," Martin tells Hoodline.

In addition to his solo show at FIFTY24SF, Usugrow will also be promoting a new book while he’s here in SF. The artist has been working with Upper Playground on a book titled USUGROW: Works 2007-2013. Upper Playground is hosting a book signing and limited edition print release party at its SF location (220 Fillmore Street) this Sunday September 28th. That shindig is scheduled to begin at 3pm.

Usugrow began his career making flyers and album covers for punk and hardcore bands and artists like Transplants, Swollen Members, and Travis Barker, as well as designing graphics for skateboard companies. These days, he works mostly in illustration, painting, and calligraphy.

Here are a few pieces by Usugrow and some pages from his book to whet your appetite.