SIR BLOG

RISE JAPAN: Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fundraiser

2011-03-18T12:07:00.006+09:00

Surreality in Reality x Gallery Heist x Kokoro Studio presents:
Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fundraiser

"RISE JAPAN"

Saturday April 2nd, 2011 | 7PM - 12AM
Gallery Heist: 679 Geary St, SF
Kokoro Studio: 682 Geary St, SF

In response to the devastating disaster that has struck Japan, S.I.R, Gallery Heist & Kokoro Studio have joined together to raise money in an effort to provide relief and aid for the people effected by the earthquake and Tsunami.

Please join us for one night only salon-style art exhibition and performances on Saturday April 2nd, 2011 from 7PM-12AM.

All artwork will be priced at $100 or below.
100% of the proceeds will be donated to

Give2Asia: Artists Help Japan - Earthquake&Tsunami 2011
http://give2asia.org/artistshelp
http://artistshelpjapan.blogspot.com/ (blog)

Visit http://www.risejapan.us for more info!

Logo design: Junko Maegawa
Flyer design: Akko Terasawa

Ritmos Sin Fronteras feat Rich Medina

2010-11-16T16:35:00.005+09:00

Rich Medina (Jump N Funk / Philly)
RSM residents: Be Brown (the People), Hakobo (fresco)
livepaint: noa-

open 21:00〜
limited discount $5/$10 tickets available at: www.richmedina.eventbrite.com
@ som. San Francisco, CA, U.S.

Upcoming Group Show at Studio Gallery

2010-11-10T10:51:00.006+09:00

KOji Nagao and Kenta Shimbo are participating the group show "TINY" at Studio Gallery.

Opening reception: Sunday, November 14th, 2-6pm

tiny
small pieces under $400
November 11th - December 23rd, 2010
opening reception: Sunday, November 14th, 2-6 pm
7th Anniversary Party: Sunday, December 5th, 2-6 pm

Good things do come in small packages! tiny, our annual show of small work, is your one-stop-spot to pick up a little something for your own collection, as well as a one-of-a-kind gift for that special someone. And you're supporting local artists at the same time!

We'll have hundreds of pieces up in the gallery, and we'll be adding new work every day. Over 140 local artists are participating, making it our biggest show yet. Everything is under 7" x 7" and under $400, with lots of pieces under $200. As an added bonus, this year's show includes a VIP section, where we'll be hanging some work that we just couldn't resist from some the gallery's most popular artists, plus a few special surprises.

The show is so big that we're going to be closed an extra day to hang all the work. And we'll have two receptions, one in November and a second in December, to celebrate tiny and the gallery's 7th Anniversary. We hope you'll stop by, check out the show, and see what the artists in our community have been up to!

Check Studio Gallery's website for more info! Come and support local artists!

http://www.studiogallerysf.com/tiny10_-_photos.php

Calligraphy Art Display for Ippuku Restaurant: Aoi x Noa-

2010-10-20T06:10:00.004+09:00

食

食は君と僕とをつなぐ
食は心と心をつなぐ
食はいのちを恵みのいろに染め
食は笑顔をもたらし
食はひとの絆を深め
食は愛をはぐくみ
食は会話を生み
食は国と国とをつなぎ
食は世界をつないでいく
幸福の輪は　しあわせな食卓からはじまる。

- 書家山口碧生自詠

Food

Food connects you and me
Food connects your heart and mine
Food colors our lives with blessings from nature
Food brings smiles
Food deepens bonds
Food cultivates love
Food starts conversations
Food connects across countries
Food unites the world
The wheel of happiness begins with a happy dining table.

- Aoi Yamaguchi, Japanese Calligrapher, a poem for Ippuku
_
Calligraphy & Poem written by Aoi Yamaguchi
Illustration of Chicken by Noa-

Production:

Noa- drawing a chicken at Aoi's Studio

Installation at Ippuku on Sunday afternoon, Oct 17, 2010.

IPPUKU
2130 Center St, Berkeley, CA 94704
http://www.ippukuberkeley.com/

JT's Café Opening Party & Art Reception

2010-10-20T06:07:00.003+09:00

JT's Café Opening Party & Art Reception
Thursday, 10/21/2010, 6PM~9PM
@ JT's Café
1167 Harrison Street (bet. 7th & 8th Sts.)
San Francisco, CA

Featured Artists:
MariNaomi
Junko Maegawa
Taiko Fujimura

Admission: free

More details will be announced shortly at www.facebook.com/taikofujimurafineart.

Noa- Solo Livepainting @ Rockit Room this Sunday

2010-09-08T09:27:00.009+09:00

Soundproof Live w/ special guest from Tokyo Soulit

@Rockit Room

Sunday September 12, 2010

9pm- | Door $10 | 21+

Featuring:

Soundproof (Hip Hip & Rap / SF)

Soulit (J-Funkadelic / Tokyo)

DJ Killagraham (Hip-Hop / FTC SF)

Live painting by

Noa- (S.I.R. / SF)

About artists:

[Soundproof]

Never, have five individuals fallen together in the same place so perfectly. Each from a different part of the United States, their lives led them all to the same playing field. In August of 2009 Jared DePatto, Johnathan Robbins, Stefen Henderson, Quintin Hawkins, and Ryan Worley met in San Francisco at the Academy of Art University. All playing together on the AAU baseball team, their connection and bond was ignited instantly through their common passion for music. Soon after spending day and night together in their dorms, creating beats and writing verses they decided to call themselves “SoundProof.”

The first self-released mixtape titled “Simplicity Then” hit over 100 digital downloads in the first hour of their release. This fall, SoundProof will kick off the school year with live shows around the bay area, along with the release of their second 20 track mixtape “Simplicity Now” in September 2010.

[Soulit]

You can say SOULIT's music is the only one of its kind in the world. Formed by a female vocalist Achi, the guitarist Atsushi, bassist Hiro and the drummer Tetsuya in 2008, the band has released 3 albums and has been playing shows internationally, rocking jam-packed venues with their groovy, funky and soulful sound. Starting from July 2010, the band is on tour across the globe from Tokyo to Hong Kong, and United States.

[DJ Killagraham]

Art director of FTC Worldwide, a skate shop based in SF, Killagraham have been djing at many local events such as PST with local hero DJ Sake1 at Eve Lounge, SKY with DJ Shortkut, Apollo and Sake1, Champion Sound, FORTHECITY party Tokyo with Zenlarock, and Shing02, KRAZYKIDSRADIO show and their events. Killagraham seamlessly mixes sounds of breaks, Hip Hop, R&B and electronic.

[Noa-]

Noa-, aka Yasushi Matsui, pursues an installation art he calls "live paint" based in San Francisco Bay Area. He aims to leave a cultural footprint for aspiring street artists, the way he says well-known artists like David Ellis and the Barnstormers in New York have done for him. Noa- has been performing live painting at numerous galleries and music events in Japan, San Francisco and Los Angeles, stemming from his monthly livepainting session at Shoe Biz Adidas on Haight, and often collaborates with many contemporary painters and street artists internationally.

Links:

http://www.myspace.com/listentosoundproof

http://soulit.heteml.jp/news_info.html

http://www.mixcrate.com/grahamjames

http://www.followyourline.com/

departure

2010-08-16T14:28:00.005+09:00

While there are numbers of encounters, there is also separation.
That's why we attempt to have good memories with our friends.

Zaion is leaving San Francisco this month, Gravity Free comes back from Japan again.
19th is the only day we all can get down.
Don't miss this fresh vibes and new moments.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Live sets and session:
Zaion (Zaion Recordings)

Ax!oM (Beatropolis, midnight sol)
Yoshi Sako (Beatropolis)

MC OrukusaKi with Peanut Butter Crew (Zulu Nation, PBC)

DJs:
Cyclyst (GKR/MoSik)
DJ Bluz

Live art session:
Gravity Free -special guest from Tokyo-

& Noa-

(Photo from the last live art session @SOM SF)

price:
$5 / $3 with flier (you can print the flier image from web)

9PM-2AM | 21+

Location:
Element Lounge
1028 Geary St, San Francisco, California 94109
(415) 440-1125

Cukui & Friends Art Show :: imagiNATIVES :: South First Fridays

2010-08-04T13:02:00.003+09:00

The Good folks of Cukui are getting ready for their new flagship store opening in Japantown SJ and there isn't a better way to celebrate than gathering some good friends for a night of Art, Music, and Clothing. Come out and show your love and support for the local arts and be sure to follow up on the Cukui store launch Aug. 13th!!!

:::Cukui & Friends:::

21+ FREE SHOW

Sam Rodriguez, Orly Locquiao,
Sean Boyles, Dee Jae Pa'este, James Garcia, Kenta Shimbo
NOA, Gem Mateo, HB Crew

Live Art
by
Sean Boyles
noa-
Dee Jae Pa'este

Live Music:
Rey Resurreccion
Rome
DJ Dranal
Troy joseph curtis

The Goods Lounge:
CUKUI
Shorty Fatz
GEMS
Konscious Klothing
Punk Drunkers
Sean Boyles
JRG Photography
The Art of Paperfolding

for more info visit www.cukui.com
or www.sofapool.com

Shing02 + Emi Meyer + Zaion + Friends Live in SF

2010-06-08T15:00:00.005+09:00

Shing02 + Emi Meyer SF Live
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
@Rock-It Room, 406 Clement Street, SF

$8 Presale | $10 Door | 21+
Presales available at: http://shing02emimeyersflive.eventbrite.com/

Live Performance by:
Shing02
Emi Meyer
Zaion (Zaion Recordings)
Yoshi (Beatropolis)
MC Orukusaki
Eric Ackerman

Along with DJs:
Kento (Fresco)
Yusai (Mellow Orange)

Live Art by:
Aoi x Noa-

Shing02 is back in the Bay! The bilingual MC / producer Shing02, an icon of the underground hip-hop scene, is returning toSFwith lyrics sharp as the edge of a sword. Along with LA-based Jazz singer Emi Meyer, and world-wandering musical genius Zaion gracing the stage, Resident DJs / producers Yusai (Mellow Orange) and Kento (BRAZA!) will rock the floor with their groove. Accompanying the audio will be Live visual art preformedthroughout the nightby Aoi x Noa- in a dynamic mixture of paint and ink. Your ears and eyes can't miss this rare jam session at the Rock-It Room in SF.

Shing02
Rap activist, peace advocate, inventor. Born in Tokyo 1975, raised in Tanzania, England, and Japan, Shing02 landed in SF Bay Area in '89 after the quake at the age of 15. After a move to Berkeley for schooling in '93 he became immersed in the local hiphop scene that launched dozens of acts worldwide. In '96 Shing02's music made its way back to Japan, then partnered with Mr. Higo of Mary Joy Recordings, garnering tremendous support in his homeland. He has collaborated with music stars such as Ghostface Killah, M.I.A., TOKiMONSTA, Nujabes, Ryuichi Sakamoto to name a few, and have achieved recognition beyond the scene for producing theme song of hip-hop influenced film 'Samurai Champloo'.

Emi Meyer
Born in Kyoto, Japan, Emi Meyer grew up in Seattle, Washington. Having studied jazz and classical piano since the age of six, Emi began her musical career at the keyboard.She self-produced her first album,Curious Creature, in 2007. Never afraid to experiment and take matters in her own hands, she is paving a path between Los Angeles and Tokyo and just finished a degree in Ethnomusicology. Her new Japanese albumPassportwas recorded with musicians in the US, Japan and Brazil. The next English album is set for release later this year.

Zaion
Born in Toyama, Japan, Zaion lives in San Francisco. He was raised with a classical music background, then he gravitated towards creating hip hop. Zaion is an avid traveler, he aims to mesh cultural textures with lush musical landscapes with his main tool: the MPC2000XL. His long-awaited debut album "Nomadic Journals" was released in December 2009.

Genre of music:
Hip Hop/Jazz/Brazilian/Downtempo

Links:
Shing02 http://www.e22.com/
Emi Meyer http://www.myspace.com/emimeyer
DJ Yusai (Mellow Orange) http://melloworange.com/
DJ Kento (Fresco) http://www.brazasf.com/
Yoshi (Beatropolis) http://www.myspace.com/beatropolis
Zaion (Zion Recordings) http://zaionrecordings.com/
Orukusaki http://www.orukusaki.com/
Aoi Yamaguchi http://www.glamourousmonochrome.com/
Noa- http://www.followyourline.com/

Flyer design by Akko Terasawa

Posted by Aoi

KOji & Kenta's Video Production for Ojisun x Invisible Stripe!

2010-04-28T07:52:00.009+09:00

KOji Nagao (Puppet Animator) & Kenta Shimbo (Paper Toy Designer) collaborated to produce a promotional video for a unique collaborative clothing line of Ojisun X Invisible Stripes. This video includes interviews to the key men from Invisible Stripes, D-Structure and Ojisun!

Four Elements vol.4 WIND -風-

2010-04-20T08:19:00.007+09:00

Finally, series of FOUR ELEMENTS is about to complete.

Awakened by the scents of Springtime released into gentle breezes, animal life rises from hibernation beneath fertile soil into the fresh WIND: the voice of nature.
Through art and media, Surreality in Reality (S.I.R.) has been exploring the elements, WATER, FIRE, EARTH, and now WIND, to bridge cultures with an awareness of nature inspired by the ancient Japanese philosophy of harmony between the four elements. In this final exhibition completing the cycle of our series, the S.I.R. Japanese Art Collective is preparing a space for the invisible force of WIND, it's power finding expression with a live performance, an exhibition, and in carrying the music.

Four Elements vol.4 風 -WIND-
Surreality in Reality Presents
Japanese Art Exhibition and Performances

@Space Gallery
1141 Polk Street. SF | btw Sutter & Post | 415.377.3325
www.spacegallerysf.com

Exhibition: Monday 26, April 2010 - Saturday May 1, 2010
Gallery Hour 12-5pm

Reception: Saturday May 1, 2010
21+
3pm- Gallery Hour | FREE
7pm- Event | $5
8pm- Live Painting Performance

Exhibition by
Ai Sugano (Photography)
Akane (Painting)
Akko Terasawa (Photography / Graphic Art)
Aoi Yamaguchi (Live Japanese Calligraphy / Exhibition)
Junko Maegawa (Graphic Art)
Keiko Moriyama (Photography)
Kenta Shimbo (Paper Toy)
Lavit Sea (Live Illustration / Exhibition)
Luke Short (Mixed Media)
Noa- (Live Painting / Exhibition)
Satoshi (Painting)
Sleepytiger (Illustration)
Taiko Fujimura (Mixed Media)
Takashi Akamatsu (Mixed Media)

Music by
Kento (fresco)
Yusai (Mellow Orange)
Zaion (Zaion Recordings)

Junzo (junzo.net)

SIR @ Cherry Blossom Festival 2010

2010-04-20T08:18:00.007+09:00

As we can see that the symbol of Japanese flower, berry blossom is beautifully blooming every corner of the city, the Spring has just arrived. Cherry Blossom Festival was held in Japan town for two weekends: April 10, 11, 17, and 18, and S.I.R. was lucky to have a booth on the second floor of the Kinokuniya building.

Illustrator Natsuki aka Lavit Sea and Akane were doing this "portrait" of people at our booth for these four days. A lot of people stopped by and enjoyed having a conversation with us, and being hand-drawn on a nice postcard.

Thank you for your support!

We will see you all at our upcoming show: "Four Elements vol.4 WIND" at Space Gallery! The closing event will be on Saturday May 1st.

THANK YOU ALL!

I AM THE FUTURE 2010.04.16

2010-04-05T15:15:00.002+09:00

OJISUN established in 2008;

Ojisun is coming to America! And i'm not talking about your Japanese uncle or dad's foreign friends. From the creators of the Punk Drunkers brand out of Tokyo,Japan comes Ojisun, which is a very cute and unique clothing collection for kids who have style and
a sense of humor.
The name Ojisun is derived from the Japanese word for Middle Aged Man, (Ojisan)
So to think of kids as little middle aged people, it's quite hilarious. The clothing borrows from many trendy fashion ideas, yet fitting those ideas to a kids fashion sense. From a Houndstooth jacket with actual puppy dog tail, ears, and face scarf to match, to a collab with the Hello Kitty brand where she has traded her signature hair bow with a salary man for his work tie. Ojisun is a brand for children, where getting dressed for the day meets playing dress up.
Blurring the lines between fashion and play time is something that the brand has achieved wonderfully. So be sure to keep your kids looking fresh and fun in Ojisun!!

Starts 8pm @ D-Structure SF (Lower Haight & Fillmore)

Free Entrance

$2 Beer, $7 Cocktails

Live MC set from Kensho Kuma with DJ DnZ

Livepainting by Gems from INVS

Beats provided by DJ Green Tea

D-Structure SF proudly presents the joining of 2 unique brands: OJISUN X Invisible Stripes! Come experience and view the artistic collaboration on Friday, April 16th from 8pm to 11 at D-Structure SF.

We will be offering Raffle tickets in the upcoming days to the show, which are available at either D-Structure SF or Invisible Stripes shops by purchasing any item. The super cool, amazing surprise item will be raffled during the night of the show, you'll just have to wait and see what it is!!!! Plus the first 30 show attendees will receive an original drawing signed and numbered by Punk Drunkers/Ojisun artist Satomi Oyakata and a limited edition T-shirt from the participating brands Ojisun x Invisible Stripes! Your earliness shall be rewarded with awesomeness. So arrive early and be ready to have your face melted by fresh music, crazy art, funky fashion, and good vibes.

Collaboration details:

Stay Tuned for April 12th for the special movie release of Punk Drunkers/Ojisun brand which will be posted on both shop blogs and the Punk Drunkers’ website and FaceBook!!!!!

OJISUN

http://www.oji-sun.com/

PUNK DRUNERS

http://www.punk-d.com/

INVS

http://invisiblestripes.blogspot.com/

KENSHO KUMA- MC

http://kenshokuma.com/

GREEN TEA(PLUG LABEL)- DJ

http://www.pluglabel.com/

KENTA SHIMBO - Paper Toy Artist
http://theartofpaperfolding.jimdo.com

KOji Nagao - Puppet Animator
http://knagao.jimdo.com/

METEOR 2010.03.07 3rd strike

2010-03-08T15:26:00.008+09:00

W
3rd E
METEOR
livepaint: Dee Jae Paeste, noa-, Tino
music: Cyclyst (DJ), Kensho Kuma (MC), Orukusaki (MC), Zaion (beats) tba

Livepainting Session of noa- and invited artists will shed the lights of beauty and transient, and become a meteor shower with Music.
The shower will be visible on 2nd Saturday of every month of 2010.
Open 7pm, with the peak in activity being between 8pm and midnight, depending on the particular location of the stream.
donation at the door

Space Gallery
1141 Polk st, SF, CA 94109
415-377-3325
www.spacegallerysf.com/

More info at -----> www.followyourline.com/meteor

luv(sic) part3 -Jeff Resurreccion mix-

2010-03-03T02:10:00.005+09:00

End of January, a beatboxer, Jeff Resurreccion passed away at age 19 after long time fight with cancer.
It's been two years since Jeff filmed the performance of Shingo2 at Citrus Collage, LA and I (noa-) was there for livepainting. (youtube)
I made an art piece, called "silent beat -part1-" to pluck up his courage during his medical treatment.
For dedication to him, Shingo2 remixed Jeff's favorit track "luv(sic) part3".

download the memory
offitial download page
youtube
silent beat -part1-

shingo2 visiting Jeff on Youtube

"It's funny how the music put times in perspective
Add a soundtrack to your life and perfect it
Whenever you are feeling blue keep walking and we can get far
Wherever you are"
(words from luv(sic)part3)

R.I.P

Gravity Free in SF

2010-02-07T10:13:00.007+09:00

Gravity Free, Djow and 8g are coming back to drop the paint on San Francisco. You cannot miss the stuck of their original merchandisings all the from Japan.Watch out for the painting monkeys!!

also don't forget about Meteor 2nd strike, 02.13. Sat.

www.followyourline.com/meteor

Takashi Akamatsu　赤松たかし

2010-01-29T02:33:00.003+09:00

Q: What is medium of art you deal with?
(あなたのアート表現のメディアはなんですか？）
Mix Media is what I'm dealing with.
Q: When did you start becoming dedicated to your means of artistic expression? What was the trigger?
（いつからそのアートを始めましたか？きっかけは何でしたか？）
I've just started doing it since I came to San Francisco. So it's been about 2 years since then. My friend, Akira who is also an artist of SIR, encourage me to paint. That was the trigger.
Q: What / Where do you get your inspirations from?
（普段どのようなところからインスピレーションを得ますか？）
Music, Art, Family, Friends, the Internet, Photography, or something else that I don't even realize.
Q: What made you join this SIR exhibition?
（SIRのアートショーに参加するきっかけになったのは何ですか？）
Akira & Aoi & Satoshi.
Q: Tell us a little bit about your vision of your art work at the show"EARTH." How do you interpret the theme "EARTH" as one of the Four Elements of the nature?
（今回のショー”EARTH" -土- に展示する予定の作品のヴィジョンについて教えてください。自然の四要素のひとつである「土」を、アートショーのテーマとしていますが、それをどのように解釈していますか？）
Earth is what life comes from and returns to. The law of nature produces rebirth of life. Expressing the internal life of earth depicts the incredible force of nature. The ability to mix other elements and to create a completely new life is one of the mystic and essential benefits of earth. We all share this element from the past generations to the present generation, and the future generations to come.
Q: Do you love Japan?
（日本を愛していますか？）
Yeah man. But I also love other countries such as US, Canada, Italy, France, Spain, Germany, Poland, South Africa, Egypt, Brazil, Taiwan, China, and so on... One World.
Peace & Love
Q: Do you have any message to the audience ..
（観客／読者のみなさんに一言。。）
Thank you! Arigato!
Have a nice day! :)

Posted by Takashi Akamatsu

Taiko Fujimura

2010-01-28T13:15:00.031+09:00

Q: What is medium of art you deal with?

Mixed media, both 2D and 3D.

Q: When did you start becoming dedicated to your means of artistic expression? What was the trigger?

When I was a teenager, music was a form of art which I came into contact with how powerful art can be. It was a very moving experience for me and I thought, “I want part of this.” Music, visual arts, dance...I tried a few disciplines back and forth and I found that fine art is the one for me about five years ago.

Q: What / Where do you get your inspirations from?

Things like I see, hear, smell or my memories or experiences...

Q: What made you join this SIR exhibition?

I read about the founder, Aoi Yamaguchi in the Hokubei-Mainichi Newspaper and I was very intrigued by her activities. I wanted to have a circle of Japanese friends who are artists and musicians to share similar experiences and views.

Q: Tell us a little bit about your vision of your art work at the show "EARTH." How do you interpret the theme "EARTH" as one of the Four Elements of the nature?

The earth is the foundation of life as if mother gives us birth and energy to grow. My painting, “Mother Earth” is my interpretation of the theme, “Earth” itself.

Q: Do you love Japan ?

Yes, I love Japan.

Q: Do you have any message to the audience..

Hope you enjoy the artwork at the "Earth" show as much as I enjoyed creating it.

Please visit my art shows when you get a chance and say "hi" to me. Art is for everyone and I am very easy to talk to. My upcoming shows information is listed at:

www.taikofujimura.com
www.myspace.com/taikofujimura
www.facebook.com/taikofujimurafineart

Looking forward to meeting you!

Posted by Taiko

Zaion First Album "Nomadic Journals" Released

2010-01-16T20:19:00.000+09:00

One of the key members of SIR's music team, Zaion has released his debut album "Nomadic Journals" on December 18, 2009.

His inspiration for this album was triggered from his trip to Australia, Singapore, Thailand, China and Tibet in 2007. "I began to make this album because I wanted my memories from this trip to be packaged into one tangible shape. I remember the fresh air of all the places I have been for the first time, and warm smiles of local people who welcomed my presence," Zaion says.

CDs are available for purchase at record stores nationwide in Japan, and MP3 downloads will be available on iTunes in February. You can listen to a digest of the whole album on his myspace.

Zaion will be performing his live set at our art show, Four Elements vol.3 EARTH @ Space Gallery.

1. Nomadic Landscapes

2. A Perfect Day feat. Alpchkbt

3. Fluidity of the Twilight

4. Deeper Layer feat. Sonarr

5. On the Side Road

6. organ Trip feat. Shing02

7. Ciecle on the Lake

8. The Wolf

10. Departure

He has advertised this open video project for Organ Trip feat. Shing02, and this music video's animation was created from the materials that have submitted by a lot of unique talents all over from the country.

Organ Trip Music Video

Directed and animated by Andy Care

Check out Zaion's official website:

http://www.zaionrecordings.com/

"Cool feat. Big Tone" 7" Release by CHIKARAMANGA (of Giant Panda)

2010-01-16T06:25:00.000+09:00

Alright, we've got two weeks until the exhibition of "EARTH" begins. We'll keep you updated with what's going on in the life of SIR members, and some "behind the scenes" sneakpeaks...

For the night of reception event, we'd like to welcome Chikaramanga from Tres Records in Los Angeles. He is known as MC/DJ/producer from the Hip Hop trio Giant Panda, and one of the founders of Tres Records. He is currently working on his solo project - a series of 7" vinyl releases in collaboration with other artists from his label. Check it out!

Artist: Chikaramanga (of Giant Panda)

Title: Cool feat. Big Tone

Cat# TR396-065

Format: 7”

Track List:

Side A

Cool feat. Big Tone

Side B

Cool - Instrumental

About Chikaramanga

Raised in Shibuya, Tokyo, Chikaramanga (General Manager and one of the founders of TRES Records), developed his Hip Hop career starting off as a DJ in ’93. After a year of rocking the crowd (both on the tables and on the mic), he began to take on the roll of the MC more seriously, but in his native tongue. With this natural progression that most DJ’s seem to go through, Chikara eventually found himself making beats. With all three titles under his belt, it was time for this Japanese MC/DJ/Producer to make his next move. So in ’97, he moved to the United States.

Here in the U.S., he met future group mates, Newman and Maanumental, and in 2001 they became Giant Panda. In 2005 they dropped their debut album, Fly School Reunion, and in 2008, had their sophomore album, Electric Laser (Chikara serving as a DJ/MC/Producer). He’s currently putting together his “producer” project, which will include collaborations with his close friends and affiliates. This project will be a series of 7 inch releases.

The first song to be released from the series features Detroit native, Big Tone. The track is appropriately titled, Cool. The title itself, explains the entire vibe of the song. From the comping of the keys, to the loose style of Tone, and from the subtle horn lines, to the swingin’ chopped drums, Chikaramanga made this track do exactly that. It remains cool, and allows the listeners to do as well. With a jazz sample laced with drums to match, the complex, yet easy flowing wordplay of Big Tone pieces it all together to make the perfect debut single from Chikara’s special 7 inch project.

About Big Tone:

Big Tone is one of the latest acts to come out of the TRES Records label. With his solo album “The Art of Ink”, his long list of production credits, and the great opportunity to be featured on Jay-Dee’s Welcome 2 Detroit LP, Big Tone is definitely hailed as another great artist to come out of Motor City.

Check out TRES RECORDS Official Website:

http://www.tresrecords.com/

A New Decade Has Arrived! Now "Into the Ring, Sumo-style"

2010-01-06T17:12:00.020+09:00

"Happy New Year, everyone. A new decade has arrived! May your 2010 be filled with happiness, good health and peace..." (Taiko Fujimura)

Taiko, a new member of SIR, is very excited about her first group art show of the year 2010. Please come visit and say hi to her at the reception on 1/15. You will see her newest photographs of sumo wrestlers. Please don't miss out!

***

Tue. January 12 ~ Mon. January 25
"Into the Ring, Sumo-style"
SomArts Cultural Center, Bay Gallery
934 Brannan Street
San Francisco, CA 94103

Gallery Hours:
Tue ~ Fri: 2PM ~ 7PM
Sat: 12 Noon ~ 5PM

Reception:
Friday, January 15, 6PM~9PM Free

Facebook invite

Facebook page

***

For more info. about Taiko, please visit: www.taikofujimura.com

METEOR 2010.01.09 1st strike

2010-01-04T15:30:00.008+09:00

noa- will kick off the New Year with Monthly livepainting Session and Music event, called METEOR, at Space Gallery. Livepainting Session of noa- and invited artists will shed the lights of beauty and transient, and become a meteor shower with Music.

The shower will be visible on 2nd Saturday of every month of 2010.
Open 7pm, with the peak in activity being between 8pm and midnight, depending on the particular location of the stream.
donation at the door

Space Gallery
1141 Polk st, SF, CA 94109
415-377-3325
www.spacegallerysf.com/

More info at -----> www.followyourline.com/meteor

HAPPY MERRY CHRISTMAS 09!

2009-12-26T14:27:00.003+09:00

Hope that you are having a lovely time with your family, friends and loved ones.

"INVASION": PUNK DRUNKERS' US Launch Party

2009-12-16T10:39:00.008+09:00

*THIS FRIDAY!!*

D-Structure Presents:

PUNK DRUNKERS Launch Party

Friday December 18th, 2009

8-11PM

@D-Structure

520 Haight Street, SF

www.punk-d.com

www.d-structuresf.com

Live Calligraphy performance by Aoi Yamaguchi

Free Style Dance Session by Academy of Villians

DJs: Yusai (Mellow Orange), Punky Phill One (360vm)

■Punk Drunkers Invades D-Structure SF
In 1998 Punk Drunkers was founded in Sendagaya, Tokyo. For the past ten years they have kept to their philosophies. Never becoming stagnate and falling behind, and always embracing originality. Their brand concept mixes Japanese culture with western influences, which always creates a unique approach and original designs. It's no wonder Punk Drunkers has been successful for the past ten years they've been around.
Punk Drunkers and D-Srtructure began to collaborate several months ago when DSSF's Takeshi Baba believed the two brands had a lot in common. With a decade in the industry, Punk Drunkers has always been very exclusive with the brands and stores they collaborate with. Thats why D-Structure is the only store in San Francisco to carry Punk Drunkers, let alone, one of the few American brands to collaborate with them.
With a loyal and large fan base in Japan, Punk Drunkers will finally make their San Francisco Debut December 18th at D-Structure.

There will be livepainting of Aoi Yamaguchi, Modern Caligraphy artist, Oyakata, Punk Drunkers' owner/designer, and freestyle dance session of Academy of Villains!!
Also, we have Punk Drunkers Tshirts giveaway!!
Come join us and get them!!

Get to know more about Punk Drunkers & D-Structure

POST TURKEY DAY FEATHER SHAKE

2009-11-29T01:33:00.003+09:00

Aoi & Noa- will be performing live painting at SOM in Mission tonight!

POST TURKEY DAY FEATHER SHAKE

Live Art by S.I.R. Artists

AOI (Glamorous Monochrome)

NOA- (S.I.R.)

featuring DJs

PROOF (Massive Selector)

KING MOST

HAKOBO (fresco)

SOM. 2925 16th St.

(between Mission & South Van Ness)

9pm - 3am | $5 | 21+

San Francisco's dopest artists & DJs come together for SFs best Post Turkey Day Feather Shake! Filled with live painting by SF's dopest Japanese underground artists S.I.R., and feather shaking DJ madness of Massive Selector, fresco & SOM residents Proof, King Most & Hakobo playing Hip-Hop, Soul, Latin, Funk, Brazilian, House, Broken Beat & Disco!!!
Come dressed as a Turkey and get in free + 2 free drink tickets!

About S.I.R. (Surreality In Reality)

S.I.R. is an art collective consisting of up-and-coming Japanese artists living in the San Francisco Bay Area. Their mediums of calligraphy, graffiti, DJing and live music production, aims to bridge various cultures through artistic expression. Their take over of the SF underground art scene is nothing short of a Tsunami. Aoi & Noa- will be doing a live art presentation.

About Proof, King Most & Hakobo
Proof, King Most & Hakobo represent 3 of San Francisco's hardest working DJs. They've brought SF some of the most memorable nights: Soul Slam, Temple Of Doom, Wonder-Full, Future Classic, fresco, released some of the best SF/Bay Area mix Tapes/CDs: Proof's "Brown Sounds", King Most "Genius Music", the Culprits compilations, and played at the best San Francisco clubs: Mighty, Mezzanine, Poleng, 330 Ritch, Pink, Milk, 111 Minna, Oasis, Temple.

sir-sf.com/

glamourousmonochrome.com/

noa-ark.com/

FIRE REVIEW.

2009-11-13T09:04:00.008+09:00

Photos from Four Elements vol.2 FIRE are finally updated on our Flickr.

VIEW PHOTOS!

Thank you all for coming! We had really great time with you all.

We'll see you in January 2010!!

FIRE封切り - "FIRE" Exhibition Began

2009-09-16T08:59:00.006+09:00

SIR crew installed art works at Space Gallery on Monday September 14th for the exhibition of "Four Elements vol. 2: FIRE". The crew refreshingly decorated the wall with new styles, welcoming newly joined artists including Akane (painting), Kenta Shimbo (paper toy), Hideki Owa (visual composition), Sleepytiger aka Mie Honmura (illustration), Daichi Wakui (photography), and Naomi Hoag (mixed media).

The exhibition is through 14th to 19th. Check out their inspiring works at the gallery.

For the night of the closing reception party, Saturday September 19th, live performances will entertain visitors: live painting by Noa- and Aoi, and music by djs including Kento, Spiritual Odyssey, Yusai and Zaion. Noa- has came back from a trip to Japan, touring around Tokyo and other prefectures for his live painting with cutting-edge Japanese artists for a month and a half. Welcome back, Noa-!

Aoi (me) just had shows at Poleng Lounge and Project One past two weeks, showcasing her calligraphy works and live painting with Green Tea and Kero One from Plug Label.

Kento and Spiritual Odyssey recently rocked the crowd at the event "THE BRIDGE" @ Project One SF last Saturday, and Zaion has just released his vinyl "Organ Trip / Global Gains" from Zoooo.jp featuring Shing02 and Orukusaki. The cover art for this vinyl were drawn by Lavit Sea and Noa- from SIR crew.

All artists in SIR crew are working on inspiring projects - it is encouraging to see everyone doing own thing, and stimulates our creativity and productivity...

SIR paper toy newly joined our merchandize booth, which will be available at the night of the show. The cute little toys are designed by Kenta Shimbo. The price? It's going to be amazingly cheap - but the numbers are limited. Get there early to grab one!

We will see you at Space Gallery!

posted by Aoi

Four Elements vol.2 FIRE

2009-08-26T04:29:00.005+09:00

Four Elements vol.2 火 -FIRE-

Surreality in Reality Presents

Japanese Art Exhibition and Performances

@Space Gallery

1141 Polk Street. SF | btw Sutter & Post | 415.377.3325

www.spacegallerysf.com

Exhibition: Monday September 14 - Friday 19th, 2009

Reception: Saturday September 19th, 2009

21+ | Door 8pm | FREE until 10pm w/ RSVP | $5 After

For RSVP: www.going.com/sir_fire

Live Painting starts from 9pm

Surreality in Reality Crew is plowing its way over the water in persuit of the second element among Four Elements of nature: Water, Fire, Earth and Wind. In summer, the balance of the equinox is offset in the race towards the solstice. While the days become longer, the fire of the Sun in Summertime replenishes the planet. Appreciating the fire as a source of life on the earth, this series of art exhibitions and live performances will be presented by Japanese local talents, known as S.I.R., showcasing their artistic interpretation of "fire" in various media. Join us and fire the imagination of your creative mind!

Exhibition by

Ai Sugano (Photography)

Akane (Painting)

Akko Terasawa (Photography)

Akira (Painting)

Aoi Yamaguchi (Live Japanese Calligraphy / Exhibition)

Daichi Wakui (Photography)

Hideki Owa (Graphic Art)

Junko Maegawa (Graphic Art)

Keiko Moriyama (Photography)

Kenta Shimbo (Paper Toy)

Lavit Sea (Live Illustration / Exhibition)

Naomi Hoag (Mixed Media)

Noa- (Live Painting / Exhibition)

Satoshi (Painting)

Sleepytiger (Illustration)

Yoshinori Kataoka (Film Screening)

Waki Hamatsu (Photography)

Music by

Kento

Spiritual Odyssey

Yusai

Zaion

BRIDGE

2009-08-26T04:17:00.004+09:00

BRIDGE

-leads to International Experience

@Project One

251 Rhode Island St, SF

$10 | 21+ | www.p1sf.com

Featuring:

DJ KING MOST (Plug Label)

DJ SPODY aka SPIRITUAL ODYSSEY

DJ JEREMIAH & AFROBEAT NATION (Maisha Productions)

DJ Kento

Art Installation by:

AKIRA KIMATA (Mixed Media)

AOI YAMAGUCHI (Japanese Calligraphy/Mixed Media)

GITHINJI (Sculpture/ Mixed Media)

“The Bridge is the borderless music and art event by mixing unique culture of African, American, and Japanese. DJ SPODY a.k.a. Spiritual Odyssey (Club Jazz), DJ Kent (Bossa Nova), Aoi (Japanese Calligraphy), Akira (Mixed Media) will take you to the world of modern Japanese music and art. DJ King Most from S.F mixes hip hop & soul sounds for the night. His highlights of collaboration include Biz Markie, DJ Spinna, SA-RA Creative Partners, and Exile & Day. DJ Jeremiah & Afrobeat Nation performs a live playing afrobeat influenced with funk. African sculpture, GITHINJI will display his unique and powerful works as well as collaborative works that will be done with Aoi, Akira and GITHINJI. Come and get experience the international night at Project One in S.F. ”

FUTURE CLASSIC

2009-08-26T04:08:00.006+09:00

Aoi Yamaguchi will be painting live at the CD release party for DJ Green Tea's new album called "Spaces and Places". DJ Green Tea and Kero One from Plug Label will be rocking the party at Poleng Lounge (Fulton + Masonic, SF).

***

Friday, September 4, 2009

massive selector + plug label present

FUTURECLASSIC VS PLUG LABEL

official GREEN TEA CD RELEASE PARTY for “PLACES AND SPACES”

@ poleng lounge, 1751 fulton st, sf

21+ | 10pm-2am | $10 cover

featuring live performances by

GREEN TEA (soul in the hole/plug label) + KERO ONE (plug label)

live guitars by MARK ARROYO

with special guests

SURESHOT (million dollar crates)

PROOF (massive selector)

KINGMOST (plug label)

RENMIN (soul in the hole, sweater funk)

REJA (soul in the hole)

live art by

AOI (surreality in reality)

Akane

2009-08-12T13:46:00.008+09:00

Q: What is medium of art you deal with?

Oil, acrylic, watercolor, color pencil, pen, ink, pastel, marker, and digital.

Q: When did you start becoming dedicated to your means of artistic expression? What was the trigger?

I don't exactly know from when, but maybe since I was little. It was really fun to craft and draw something.

Q: What / Where do you get your inspirations from?

Everyday life, nature, color, people, feeling, and my past.

Q: What made you join this SIR exhibition?

I've been looking for a place that i can show my works. And when I went to the book store in Japan town, Noa gave me a invitation of the show"WATER".

Q: Tell us a little bit about your vision of your art work at the show"FIRE." 　　How do you interpret the theme "FIRE" as one of the Four Elements of the nature?

For fire show, I am planning to do abstract painting. I'll try to represent power and magnificence of fire.

Q: Do you love Japan?

Yes, I do. I love Japanese culture, four seasons, foods, and thoughtfulness.

Q: Do you have any message to the audience ..

Thank you for reading. Enjoy the show. Enjoy the art.

Posted by Akane

Naomi

2009-07-28T14:01:00.006+09:00

Q: What is medium of art you deal with?

I generally work with print since I am in Graphic Design, but I dabble in photography and have a secret passion for jewelry making.

Q: When did you start becoming dedicated to your means of artistic expression? What was the trigger?

Since I was a child, I've always loved drawing. I couldn't speak English very well so I may have started to draw as a means of communication. Now, I try to communicate ideas with my graphic design. In that sense, I haven't changed too much in 20 years.

Q: What / Where do you get your inspirations from?

Its hard for me to pinpoint where all my inspiration comes from, but my designs do gravitate towards being natural and organic. I love taking photos of nature and going on nature walks through the park and to the beach. I also try to read a lot of books and go to museums and just be actively looking for good designs around me.

Q: What made you join this SIR exhibition?

My friend Keiko Moriyama invited me to one of the exhibitions. Around the same time, I was actually looking for artists that shared similar cultural influences and ideas so I am very grateful about the SIR group's existence. I'm not as involved in the group yet as I'd like to be, but its great to know that there is somewhere you can go to share your ideas.

Q: Tell us a little bit about your vision of your art work at the show "FIRE." How do you interpret the theme "FIRE" as one of the Four Elements of the nature?

For the fire show, I plan to do a mix media piece focusing on life and death fire creates. Several months ago, I went to Angel Island for a hiking trip. This was several weeks after 80% of the island was destroyed by the forest fire. It was a devastating sight with the scorched black ground and dead trees, but after a closer look, we found new life growing through the blackened soil. The contrast between the bright green plants growing out of the black soil was a beautiful sight. This image of life after death stuck with me and I felt it was something I wanted to recreate for the show.

Q: Do you love Japan?

Yes. I love the culture and the art. Japanese art especially speaks to me in so many ways. I would like to pursue my studies about Japanese design.

Q: Do you have any message to the audience ..

Thanks for reading, and I hope all the exhibited works can give inspiration to everyone who attends.

Nao

voice merchant

2009-07-17T01:33:00.005+09:00

1st session of "voice merchant" on youtube.
Enjoy with HD quality!
Big Thanks for Yoshi

Choreography Showcase

2009-07-08T02:17:00.006+09:00

noa- (livepainting) will collaborate with Modan Dance Movement.

SPF4 presents raw & uncut
"Choreography showcase"

Kelly Del Rosario, Mayuko Ayabe + noa-
Lisa Tilch
Nicole Zvarik
Lizzie Moves Co
Marcia Lusalva

July 8-9, Wed - Thur
8pm
$10-20

The Garare
975 Howard St, bwn 5th & 6th
(415)885-4006
www.975howard.com
Look for the red door

2009-07-06T15:27:00.003+09:00

Art Installation by Aoi Yamaguchi
「　• とー」　
点と線
A Dot and A Line

A letter consists essentially of dots and lines and philosophically, people communicate through these simple man-made symbols. Japanese calligrapher Aoi Yamaguchi explores new possibilities for the ancient art of calligraphy - juxtaposing traditional with contemporary styles.
www.glamourousmonochrome.com

文字というものは、点と線で成り立っている。人々は、古代からこの単純明快であり複雑な文字という記号によって意思伝達を行ってきた。現代に発達し伝承されて来たこの文字という歴史哲学をアートとして表現すべく、書家山口碧生による、伝統芸術「書道」の新たなる可能性を探るインスタレーション。

Opening Reception: Sunday July 5, 2009
Music by 8 doors / Hakobo
Exhibition through Sunday August 23, 2009　

@Guerilla Cafe
1620 Shattuck Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94709

Akira

2009-05-18T08:35:00.002+09:00

Q: What is medium of art you deal with?

Anything (Mix Media)

Q: When did you start becoming dedicated to your means of artistic expression? What was the trigger?

Since I left Japan to North America when I was 15.

Graffiti was the trigger.

Q: What / Where do you get your inspirations from?

My inspirations and interest is based on humanism and naturalism to understand the human soul and the law of nature.

Q: What made you join this SIR exhibition?

Through, Natuki, aka Lavit Sea.

Good vibration.

Q: Tell us a little bit about your vision of your art work at the show"WATER." How do you interpret the theme "WATER" as one of the Four Elements of the nature?

Subconscious Flow

Q: Do you love Japan?

Yes!

Q: Do you have any message to the audience ..

Let's have fun!

Satoshi

2009-05-17T10:40:00.005+09:00

Q: What is medium of art you deal with?

Mostly, oill paint. I wanna try acrylic more.

Q: When did you start becoming dedicated to your means of artistic expression? What was the trigger?

When I was kid, my parents didn't let me buy video games. Instead, they gave me paper, pencil, and "Lego". They were my trigger I guess. I really appreciate their decision.

Q: What / Where do you get your inspirations from?

People. They are so interesting. They ignite my creative imagination.

Q: What made you join this SIR exhibition?

My friend Natuki, aka Lavit Sea gave me the oppotunity. Thanx.

Q: Tell us a little bit about your vision of your art work at the show"WATER." How do you interpret the theme "WATER" as one of the Four Elements of the nature?

My first impression of water is blue. I would stick with simply the color. Water makes up 60% of our body. It is an element that we all share no matter where we are from. That's what I think.

Q: Do you love Japan?

Yeah. Food, People, Culture.

Q: Do you have any message to the audience ..

Please enjoy the show. I'm watching you guys because you would be my inspiration. I will also do my best to inspire you.

Yasuharu Fujiya

2009-05-07T12:54:00.003+09:00

Yasuharu Fujiya
Currently residing in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan. For the "WATER" show, he's flying to SF to join the exhibition & live painting.

Q: What is medium of art you deal with?

Drawing

Q: When did you start becoming dedicated to your means of artistic expression? What was the trigger?

そこにペンと紙があった。幼い頃、それらを手に取り無我夢中の境地を知った。以来、今に至るまで変わらず描き続けている。
I found a pen and a piece of paper lying there. When I was little, I held the pen and paper, and discovered myself thrown into ecstasy over drawing. Since then, I still continue drawing until today.

Q: What / Where do you get your inspirations from?

自分以外の存在全て。
From everything except myself.

Q: What made you join this SIR exhibition?

札幌から世界へ出る第一歩としての場に選んだ。
I chose SIR exhibition as a place to step out from my hometown Sapporo to the foreign world for the first time in my life.

Q: Tell us a little bit about your vision of your art work at the show"WATER." How do you interpret the theme "WATER" as one of the Four Elements of the nature?

水とは掴み所がない。手ですくえば隙間から漏れていく。形がないからだ。しかし形がないゆえに、あらゆる形状の容器や空間に収まる事が出来る。つまり、どのような状況にも対応出来るしなやかさを持っている。これは芸術の一つの理想。自由の獲得。水が「自由」を教えてくれる。自分の作品、ライヴドローイングにもこの理念が反映されている。
The water is elusive - it leaks through gaps between your fingers when you cup it with your hand, because water has no shape. However, water can fit in any type of container or space because of its shapelessness. Thus, water is flexible and capable of coping with any situations. It is ideal in the world of art - meaning gaining freedom. Water teaches me what the freedom is. This philosophy is reflecting my art works and live drawings.

Ｑ:Do you love Japan?

考えた事がない。「日本」とは余りに大きな存在で漠然としたもの。抱きかかえられない。足元の路上と頭上の空に愛と憎しみを注ぐので精一杯な自分がいる。でもそんな身近な世界に世界共通の普遍性があると信じている。
I have never thought of it. The idea of "Japan" is too big and vague for me. I can't hold it. All I can do is to pour the love and hate onto the street under my foot and to the sky above my head. But I believe that there is universality, which can be found worldwide, in this world where I exist.

Q: Do you have any message to the audience ..
スライを生んだ街サンフランシスコ！行くのが楽しみです。ぜひ会場に遊びに来て下さい。
San Francisco, where Sly was born! I look forward to visit. Please visit the venue for the show!

Answers in Japanese by Yasuharu Fujiya
Translated by Aoi

Waki Hamatsu

2009-05-05T06:33:00.004+09:00

Q: What is medium of art you deal with?

*Photography.

Q: When did you start becoming dedicated to your means of artistic expression? What was the trigger?

*I started photography since I came to SF. However, I began to feel an interest in photography when I was 18. I wanted to leave traces of memories and wanted to capture the scenes around me.

Q: What / Where do you get your inspirations from?

*Mostly, nature. Urban nature gave me inspirations.

Q: What made you join this SIR exhibition?

*My friend ( DJ 8 doors) invited me in.

Q: Tell us a little bit about your vision of your art work at the show"WATER." 　　How do you interpret the theme "WATER" as one of the Four Elements of the nature?

*I grew up with water.
*Water=Sea That’s my definition of water. So, I would like to directly take the scenic photos of the sea.

Q: Do you love Japan?

*Of course, YES!!!
And love my hometown Kochi!

Q: Do you have any message to the audience ..

*Please enjoy!!!

Keiko Moriyama

2009-04-29T11:26:00.003+09:00

Q: What is medium of art you deal with?

Photography

Q: When did you start becoming dedicated to your means of artistic expression? What was the trigger?

I started photography when I got my first Canon manual camera with 50mm in Santa Cruz, which was for my first B&W photography class at college.

I couldn't wait to go to the dark room almost everyday from the lab opening time till closing.

Also, I started to think about photography not only as art but also the life style since I met a still life photographer in Japan.

Q: What / Where do you get your inspirations from?

I get inspirations from Artists, fashion, art, dance, things like sweets or paper items from artisan people.

Q: What made you join this SIR exhibition?

I have been looking for the place to show my photography.

Q: Tell us a little bit about your vision of your art work at the show"WATER." 　　How do you interpret the theme "WATER" as one of the Four Elements of the nature?

The next theme "Water" is very creative theme to me.

Water is very important for my everyday life. Also water has interesting texture, and can be interpreted in many ways.

I hope that I can project "Water" through my photography.

Q: Do you love Japan?

I do. I would like to know more about Japanese Culture including art, kimono, food and much more.

Q: Do you have any message to the audience ..

Please visit the show!!!

SIR on [X]PRESS MAGAZINE

2009-04-18T14:15:00.004+09:00

Almost an year has passed since "Surreality in Reality" has established... it was quick! We got another public exposure via a featured interview by the Golden Gate [X]Press Magazine, which is issued from the jounalism department at SF State. You can get a copy of printed magazine on campus, and kiosks in the city. Let's shake the local art scene in the city of San Francisco with the power of your artistic expression! Well, we will see you at the upcoming show "HELLA LOGOS!!" in a week, stay tuned! ;-)

Read the Article Online
Download PDF Version
[X]PRESS Homepage

-posted by Aoi

HELLA LOGOS!! Submission Due Extended!

2009-04-14T10:28:00.004+09:00

Hey design fanatics - since we have been receiving great works from people, we have determined to extended submission due date! We close all the submission this weekend, Sunday. April 19th midnight. It's okay if you have never designed graphically - you can use various kinds of media to design the logo. You can use photography: crop them and create interesting layout. You can scan hand-drawn illustration and send it to us. It's about the idea, rather than professionalism! Please submit more and more interesting logos, we look forward to see them!

posted by Aoi

zeroeightone

2009-03-27T14:53:00.005+09:00

4th Saturday is the day of In-Store Monthly Event, zeroeightone (http://www.reddot081.com/).

This month, noa- will have a livepaint session with Dia (http://www.idiasymbiotic.com/).
Also guest DJs are our men, 8Doors and Junzo.

livepaint; noa- x Dia

DJ; 8Doors, and DJ Junzo

open to the public, 2pm - 7pm

ShoeBiz SF Adidas Concept Store

address: 1420 Haight StreetSan Francisco, CA, 94117

tell: 415-861-3797

web: http://www.shoebizsf.com/

Ken Goto @ 1AM

2009-03-21T00:53:00.008+09:00

Our friend, Ken Goto has a opening group exhibition tonight at 1AM, 1000 Howard Street SF, 7-10pm. This show is going to be a good one.

-detail-

1AM is a firm believer that a picture can speak a thousand words so we decided to collaborate with some of the top shooters in the game.

The outcome is our premier photography exhibition “Most Finished” featuring new works by Dylan Maddux, Ken Goto, Orly Locquiao, and Abe Menor.
Catch glimpses of their street inspired art style, which is as unique and exotic as their origins ranging from the Bay Area to Japan to Hawaii. Larger than life femme fatales, tattoo inspired masterpieces, and urban lifestyle moments will be well represented in this exhibition. Come witness the 1AM movement as these veteran shooters invite you to peer into our world through their lenses.

Opening exhibition is March 20th 2009 from 7-10pm and will runs through April 15th.

Free entry and complimentary wine provided (while supplies last).

This is a 21+ event.

Check out the following websites to get a flavor of what the artists will be showing:

http://www.dylanmaddux.com/

http://www.kengotophoto.com/

http://www.cukui.com/

post by noa-

HELLA LOGOS!! - Call for Entries!

2009-03-20T18:20:00.006+09:00

Surreality in Reality presents:
HELLA LOGOS!!　
Logo Design Competition

S.I.R is looking for the hella good logo design for next up coming art shows!

Friday April 24th, 2009 @Space Gallery
1141 Polk St. SF | btw Sutter & Post | 415.377.3325
www.spacegallerysf.com

Let's vote for THE hella good logo (voting ends at 10pm)
21+ | FREE | Door 8pm | Result announcement 10:30pm
Info: www.sir-sf.com

Music by Yusai / Junzo / Zaion / 8doors (Sound Design, DJs)

*You can download PDF containing the details below from our website: sir-sf.com *
_____________________________________________________

Call for Entries
_____________________________________________________
01- Theme

The subject of this competition is to design one new logo for all four of our upcoming Art Exhibitions this year.
The theme is the four elements of nature: Water, Fire, Soil and Wind.
We are looking for a hella good logo design that represents four elements in a single symbol.
The new logo will be used in the promotional materials (stickers, posters and flyers) of our exhibitions and events.

Anybody may participate.

02 - Rewards

The designer of the winning entry will recieve an article about you on our website sir-sf.com, a 'hella special featuring' at the Art show in Spring 2009, and an original SIR T-shirt!

03 - Jurors
Everyone at the event!

04- Deadline
Submission will be accepted through Sunday April 12th, 2009 12pm.

Works should be prepared in a high resolution file with the following parameters:

_CMYK
_Final logo size 10x10 inches
_Please outline your font, and embed image you used.
_Only JPEG (300dpi) file and EPS in Adobe illustrator (up to CS3 only) formats will be accepted.
_Send your work via email to submit.sir@gmail.com
_If the work is too large to send us as an email attachment, you may use online file transfer and delivery service such as Yousendit.com, yahoo!Briefcase etc.
_You will be notified by e-mail within Three weeks if your work was selected for exhibition.

05 - Work

_The identity can be text-based, logo or any combination of these and other graphic formats.
_It must be hella easily recognizable and text should be hella easy to read.
_The design must be able to be printed in -black and white as well as in full color.
_The size must be adjustable from hella small to large.
_It must be possible to use it on screen : internet(our website and blog), on paper : in newspaper print for ad, full color posters and flyers.

Only entries with a declaration of authorship are accepted.

Entries will be displayed in an exhibition at Space gallery on Friday, April 24th, 2009.
Reception party and voting session starts at 8pm, and result be out by 10:30pm.
website at spacegallerysf.com

*For questions, contact us via info@sir-sf.com
THANKS FOR PARTICIPATING!

zeroeightone 3 year anniversary

2009-02-22T10:08:00.008+09:00

zeroeightone (www.reddot081.com)

in store exhibition of

noa- (http://www.noa-ark.com/)

a collection of 2008 and past livepainted works

February 28th - March 28th, 2009

opening reception & zeroeightone 3 year anniversary celebration

Saturday, February 28th, 2009

2pm - 6:30pm / livepainting with DJ Nisus (www.myspace.com/djnisus)

8pm - 11pm / 21+ / reception with DJ 8doors

Live set by Zaion (www.myspace.com/zaionbeat)

ShoeBiz SF, Adidas Concept Shop
1420 Haight Street, San Francisco, CA, 94117

415-861-3797

http://www.shoebizsf.com/

mon-sat [11am - 7pm] sun [11am - 6pm]

redeem this flyer and receive 15% off on all non-sale items your next purchase at ShoeBiz SF, Adidas Concept Shop during this exhibiton, Feb 28th- March 28th.

see yall there

posted by noa-

Colorless Spectrum

2009-02-16T16:58:00.014+09:00

Thank you all for visiting Colorless Spectrum on Jan. 30th! Space Gallery was packed with almost 300 visitors, bringing good vibes to the special reception party night.

At the door, we distributed 'omikuji':
"Omikuji are sacred bits of paper that can be obtained at Shinto Shrines and Buddhist temples in exchange for the lucky bagel-shaped five yen coin. Selected at random, the receiver will discover a fortune about how lucky the coming year will be. From romance to education, business to health, a glimpse into your possible future can be found within this Omikuji."
We were hoping everyone experienced this Japanese custom at our show - getting omikuji is one of the 'must-do' things done around New Year's day.

How was your fortune? Some lucky ones won SIR T-shirts for free! I wish that was me...

-1st floor -

Yoshi - Film Screening (projected on the ceiling above the bar)

(from the left: Zaion , Yoshi)

Luk - Mixed Media

-2nd floor-

Hiroko - Textile Installation

Aoi & Akko -Collaboration: Japanese Calligraphy & Photography

Ai - Photography

Tadamasa Iguchi - Photography

Tae - Graphic Art

Aoi - Japanese Calligraphy / Stencil / A Tree installation

Noa - (in the middle) - Painting
(from the left: Aoi, Noa-, Akko)

Akko Terasawa - Photography

IxDxE - Painting

Lavit Sea - Illustration

Junko - Graphic Art

Keiko - Photography

Although there was some troubles with turntables, our Djs did a splendid job in painting the atomsphere of the gallery in various colors -

Tokyo Component

DJ Yusai

Zaion

DJ 8 Doors

Live Painting was started around 9:30pm. People surrounded the canvas, waiting to see what was gonna happen.

Aoi writes "Colorless Specrtum" on the canvas:
before the show, we cut the canvas into several pieces, painted them in various colors, and stapled all on the floor.

Noa- draws abstruct lines that flows like a galaxy:
we detached the canvas from the floor, rearranged and stapled them on the wall, and Noa- drew over Aoi's calligraphy.

Rearraging again-

Lavit Sea draws human figures in each canvas:
Various ethnicities. Both male and female. Different generations. All looking at the center of the canvas...

Did you all receive the message from us? We hope that you enjoyed the performance!

Look at my hands and foot - this is why painting is fun.

Be Colorless.
Be Colorful.
Be United.
See, there's no boundary.

THANK YOU!

Visit SIR Flickr to see the photos from the show!
We will see you in May.

posted by Aoi

IxDxE

2009-01-31T03:09:00.005+09:00

Q: What is medium of art you deal with?
A: All living things

Q: When did you start becoming dedicated to your means of artistic expression? What was the trigger?
A: The thing to play my making it from the corrugated cardboard etc, because parents were not able to buy the toy is a start of my art.

Q: What / Where do you get your inspirations from?
A: Look back and laugh

Q: What made you join this SIR exhibition?
A: LOVE

Q: Tell us a little bit about your vision of your art work at the show"Colorless Spectrum." 　　How do you interpret the theme Colorless Spectrum?
A: My face is covered with the white cloth not visible. Colorless Spectrum　is Fountain of aura

Q: Do you love Japan?
A: Yes I Do

Q: Do you have any message to the audience ..
A: Hello.

Tadamasa Iguchi

2009-01-29T08:31:00.012+09:00

Photo by Keiko Moriyama

Q: What is the medium of art you deal with?

A: Typography, photography, and other simple ways of communication.

Q: When did you start becoming dedicated to your means of artistic expression? What was the trigger?

A: It all started when I was in high school when I first read this sub-cultural design magazine called "relax". My very first design on my own was when I was 20. It was a design for a flier of an event that my friend and I organized ourselves.

Q: What/Where do you get your inspirations from?

A: My inspirations do not come from concrete and objective ideas but rather from abstract concepts that happen to ponder into my head. Once I have the concept, I can begin to imagine and develop the design.

Q: What made you join this SIR exhibition?

A: I like the fact that through these SIR exhibits, I am exposed to so many different types of artists and an even wider range of styles and expression.

Q: Tell us a little bit about your vision of your art work at the show "Colorless Spectrum". How do you interpret the theme Colorless Spectrum?

A: "Colorless Spectrum" has some implications of both, a start and an end. I plan to further develop this concept and wish to present it in a very simple fashion.

Q: Do you love Japan?

A: Of course!

Q: Do you have any message to the audience?

A: At this show, you will be able to witness a gallery filled with genre-breaking experimental art. See you all at the space gallery!

Ruk Short

2009-01-15T18:35:00.013+09:00

Q: What is the medium of art you deal with?

A: All sorts. I prefer 'running into' my mediums like finding old stuff or to put it rather bluntly, I'll use whatever happens to be around me.

Q: When did you start becoming dedicated to your means of artistic expression? What was the trigger?

A: The start is hard to pin point but theres roots in the art lessons I took as a child in Japan. From there, it was just layers of exposure to various art experiences over the years.

Q: What/Where do you get your inspirations from?

A: I start with science, nature, and the city. Im also particular in the age of the information. Fond of old scientific illustrations, instruments, and so forth.

Q: What made you join this SIR exhibition?

A: Can't possibly pass up an opportunity like this to be work along with some of these experimental artists of SIR.

Q: Tell us a little bit about your vision of your art work at the show "Colorless Spectrum". How do you interpret the theme Colorless Spectrum?

A: Well, honestly, its still rather quite vague but it should be multi-dimensional. There will definitely be a sense of time and a warm tone to it all. Some lights maybe. The concept of Colorless Spectrum can be extracted in all sorts of directions it looks like; I see a circular spectrum not with a separate beginning and an end but connected. Colorlessness of the spectrum perhaps refers to the idea that theoretically with all colors combined gives you true white light.

Q: Do you love Japan?

A: Yes. The food, especially.

Q: Do you have any message to the audience?

A: Tell 'em its a show.

Hiroko Tsuchimoto

2009-01-12T07:11:00.018+09:00

Q: What is medium of art you deal with?

A:Fiber & Nature

Q: When did you start becoming dedicated to your means of artistic expression? What was the trigeer?

A: Travel for Cambodia in 2005

Q:What / Where do you get your inspirations from?

A:Everything in my daily life

Q: What made you join this SIR exhibition?

A:The energetic activity!

Q: Tell us a little bit about your vision of your art work at the show "Colorless Spectrum." How do you interpret the theme Colorless Spectrum?

A:blank -Nothing means perfection. The perfection leads the end

Q: Do you love Japan?
A:Yes.

Q: Do you have any message to the audience...
A:I am really really looking forward to seeing u in San Francisco!!

Posted by Hiroko

SIR BLOG LAUNCHED

2009-01-08T10:51:00.004+09:00

Surreality in Reality aka SIR is proud to announce that we finally launched a blog site! We are going to introduce you the members of our crew every month, and keep you updated with what's going on in the world of SIR. To begin with, we would like to start introducing five new artists who are going to be join in SIR's upcoming exhibition "Colorless Spectrum"on January 30th.
Stay tuned!

SIR BLOG

RISE JAPAN: Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fundraiser

Ritmos Sin Fronteras feat Rich Medina

Upcoming Group Show at Studio Gallery

Calligraphy Art Display for Ippuku Restaurant: Aoi x Noa-

JT's Café Opening Party & Art Reception

Noa- Solo Livepainting @ Rockit Room this Sunday

departure

Cukui & Friends Art Show :: imagiNATIVES :: South First Fridays

Shing02 + Emi Meyer + Zaion + Friends Live in SF

Shing02 + Emi Meyer SF LiveTuesday, June 15, 2010@Rock-It Room, 406 Clement Street, SF

$8 Presale | $10 Door | 21+Presales available at: http://shing02emimeyersflive.eventbrite.com/

KOji & Kenta's Video Production for Ojisun x Invisible Stripe!

Four Elements vol.4 WIND -風-

SIR @ Cherry Blossom Festival 2010

I AM THE FUTURE 2010.04.16

METEOR 2010.03.07 3rd strike

luv(sic) part3 -Jeff Resurreccion mix-

Gravity Free in SF

Takashi Akamatsu 赤松たかし

Taiko Fujimura

Zaion First Album "Nomadic Journals" Released

"Cool feat. Big Tone" 7" Release by CHIKARAMANGA (of Giant Panda)

A New Decade Has Arrived! Now "Into the Ring, Sumo-style"

METEOR 2010.01.09 1st strike

HAPPY MERRY CHRISTMAS 09!

"INVASION": PUNK DRUNKERS' US Launch Party

POST TURKEY DAY FEATHER SHAKE

FIRE REVIEW.

FIRE封切り - "FIRE" Exhibition Began

Four Elements vol.2 FIRE

BRIDGE

FUTURE CLASSIC

Akane

Naomi

voice merchant

Choreography Showcase

Akira

Satoshi

Yasuharu Fujiya

Waki Hamatsu

Keiko Moriyama

SIR on [X]PRESS MAGAZINE

HELLA LOGOS!! Submission Due Extended!

zeroeightone

Ken Goto @ 1AM

HELLA LOGOS!! - Call for Entries!

zeroeightone 3 year anniversary

Colorless Spectrum

IxDxE

Tadamasa Iguchi

Ruk Short

Hiroko Tsuchimoto

SIR BLOG LAUNCHED

Shing02 + Emi Meyer SF Live
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
@Rock-It Room, 406 Clement Street, SF

$8 Presale | $10 Door | 21+
Presales available at: http://shing02emimeyersflive.eventbrite.com/

Takashi Akamatsu　赤松たかし