Linework is linework. Whether it’s tattoos or illustration, simple and precise lines can make all the difference. It’s a lesson that Nep Cardenas is taking to heart in both fields. With illustrations heavily influenced by comic strips and manga, and tattoos inspired by classic Japanese and Sailor Jerry styles, the young artist is quickly making a name for himself.
JP Pining knows who’s got a soft spot for their fuzzy little friends. In his second solo show at Secret Fresh, dubbed “Endless Loyalty,” he uses his trademark geometric style to illustrate different breeds of dogs, capturing them in riotous color. JP has a doggo to call his own, who is part of the inspiration behind this show, but another driving force was witnessing how people are changed by forming relationships with their dogs. Any pet lover would know what it’s like, and these bonds were on full display with all the pets running around that night.
As a follow up to our recent Epic Phantom React unboxing, this week’s OPENING ACT features the vibrant Jerry Lorenzo and Nike Fear of God Ones in a limited orange pulse colorway. “The whole thing is just shouting orange, it’s a really bright color. It looks like an orange creamsicle,” jokes Adjima’s head-honcho Kayo Cosio. But their loudness is part of the appeal. “I have a habit of liking shoes that are not for everyone. My wife is actually saying that I own too many bright orange shoes now. But she loves Fear Of God and Jerry Lorenzo, so I think she’s OK with these ones. I was nervous buying these because I know some guys who bought them and have a hard time wearing them because they’re hard to pair with pants. I wanted the challenge though. So follow me on Instagram and if I look stupid just let me know.”
Read MoreRJ Wolfgang is a one-man-band. Photography, design, layouts, casting, location scouting—he handles it all, combining these mixed media compositions into mini-photo zines that could be considered art projects in themselves. His most recent work has been a tech-heavy style, leaning on futuristic imagery, high-density locations, and Japanese lettering. While it may appeal mostly to fans of techwear, it’s hard not to appreciate the level of work and attention to detail that goes into each series.
Sometimes it takes some distance for you to really appreciate your home. That’s basically what happened to Edon Tuazon Fabreo. Although he’d been interested in miniature scale models since he was a kid, it wasn’t until a trip back to Manila after spending a few years in Saudia Arabia as an OFW that he decided on combining the two loves.
Hosted during a scorching Brooklyn summer, “Beyond The Streets” boasts over 100,000 square feet of exclusive collections by more than 150 of the world’s most celebrated street artists and pop artists. Located along the newly luxurious Williamsburg waterfront, the exhibition brings together some of society’s most pervasive mark makers and rule breakers.
Curated by Roger Gastman, “Beyond the Streets NYC” displays how graffiti was born in the streets of New York and Philadelphia during the late ’60s and has grown to take over galleries in the 2010s, blending with a new era of pop art.
The other day we were listening to a Filipino rapper flexing about his Lambo and my friend laughed, joking that there’s probably only one Lamborghini in the Philippines and there’s nowhere to drive it. So when “Jeepney” popped up in the feed the next day, it was a reminder that rappers could highlight more accessible local lifestyles. Cebuano rapper Suez and Japanese rapper Farmhouse of Sushiboys recently dropped the colorful visuals for the track, featuring a bright yellow jeep, a fully stocked ukay ukay store, and a few local island clothing brands.
Read MoreSupport Your Friends. It’s simultaneously a brand name and statement. They’re known for a few things, but their logo caught nationwide attention when Grab snatched it without permission. The ridesharing company was using it to advertise their merger with Uber last year. And while the move went viral, with fans stepping up to defend SYF, they’ve never told their story publicly.
If you want to turn people’s heads, combining art, sneaker culture, and basketball is a great place to start. Throw in some PBA stars and make it all benefit a good cause and it’s a wrap. At Secret Fresh today you can catch the resulting mix in all its glory, organized by local stalwart Quiccs (who’s also releasing a new merch drop and sneaker sculpture) and star baller Gabe Norwood. “I’m just a little overwhelmed, to be honest,” says Norwood of the night’s turn out. “We just wanted to build the bridge between art and basketball and give back in the process.”
