From Curated – “With mind bending meticulous detail, Usugrow’s work crosses the line between bad ass and refined elegance. While developing his vision and technique, Usugrow worked designing promotional graphics for Japan’s punk and metal scenes, Usugrows unique, stylized combination of traditional Japanese artwork and punk iconography has made him the visual identity of Tokyo’s underground.

As pro-skateboarder in early 90s Toshikazu Nozaka started down the masters path of traditional Japanese tattooing from a very unique perspective, since then he has collected over 20 years of experience in traditional Japanese style while also injecting elements of contemporary and skate culture.

The exhibition, titled Oriental Elements, features new work by the two artists, print and a massive installation. Running until July, 31, 2011.”

See much more from the show here.

Artist Usugrow is back with a new version of his popular Rebel Ink vinyl figure. Produced by Secretbase, the figure not only takes on Usugrow’s signature look, but is also printed front and back with extensive pieces of the artist’s work.

More looks at the Secretbase x Usugrow “The Rebel Ink” Figure after the click.

Upper Playground has launched a new sub-brand designed by Japanese artist, Usugrow called :SHINGANIST:.  Derived from the Japanese word “Shingan,” (meaning mind’s eye), “the line represents those people who create by seeing things in their mind’s eye, and are not bothered or influenced by things around them.”  Inspired by underground Japanese lifestyle, :SHINGANIST: will feature the art of Usugrow, as well as guest artists including Mozyskey, Toshikazu Nozaka, Bene and Jun Kaneko.

The launch of the line comes along with the release of the book of the same name as well as the re-release of Love Hate From JP. Love Hate From JP sold out and has been re-printed with a heavier-weight of paper with a slightly glossy finis for the :SHINGANIST: launch. Now available at Upper Playground.

Check out the T-Shirts from Upper Playground x Usugrow’s :SHINGANIST: after the jump.

The figure created by Japanese toy brand Secretbase and fellow Japanese artist Usugrow, Rebel Ink, comes soon in a special colorway for retailer Armth. The figure comes in a gold/black colorway and features extensive art by Usugrow. Look out for a release soon.

Detailed images of the Secretbase x Usugrow Rebel Ink gold colorway follow after the jump.

Japanese artist Usugrow has put together an impressive group of artists for the upcoming Shinganist book and group show, taking place at the Fifty24F Gallery in San Franicso. The line-up includes USUGROW, MOZYSKEY, TOSHIKAZU NOZAKA, BENE and JUN KANEKO.

There will not only be an exhibition, but there will also be a Shinganist Book accompanying the show and in August Upper Playground will be introducing the Shinganist Clothing Collection, featuring artwork by the participating artists. Something to look out for!

More information on the event follows after the jump.

A classic yet newly improved tennis silhouette is releasing this season from Vans – the N.S.D. To introduce the sneaker Vans has worked with Hosoi and artist Usugrow. Both the Hosoi and the Usugrow models come in two colorways this season. The outsole is a basic skate cupsole with lightweight internal EVA midsole to keep the dogs from barking.

Images of all four Vans N.S.D. Hosoi & Usugrow sneakers follow after the jump.

Today we can give you a more detailed look at the upcoming Vans x Usugrow Pack. The pack consists of the Sk8 Hi, Sk8 Low and a Half Cab. All three come with black uppers and tonal embroideries. The encarved graphics in the mid-sole are our favorite details in this new collaboration between Vans and the Japanese artist.

The Vans x Usugrow Pack is now on pre-order at Ripe.

More detailed images follow after the jump.

The February New Era releases are here and Upper Playground has two new designs, Sword and Dear Deer. The Sword design is by none other than Usugrow, who is based in Japan and known for his black and white illustrations. The hat features felt appliqué and embroidery on the front and back of the cap. The Dear Deer design features the art of Michael Sieben, a former exhibiting artist at FIFTY24SF Gallery, and features a broken-down yet surprisingly proud deer. The hat is made of cotton duck cloth and features front and side embroidery. Both hats are available at Upper Playground stores and on the Upper Playground Web Store.

Detailed images of the Upper Playground February 2009 New Era caps follow after the jump.

After presenting you yesterday the Vans Forty-Four Hi “East Coast vs West Coast” Pack and the Hosoi Legends Pack, we give you a preview today of the Spring 2009 Usugrow collaboration by Vans.

The pack consists of three sneakers – AV Sk8 Low, Sk9 Hi Pro and the Half Cab Pro. All three come in premium black leathers and feature a good amount of tonal embroidered details, created by the Japanese artist. The shirts complement the shoes and vice versa.

Look out for the Vans x Usugrow Pack at selected retailers in the coming weeks.

Japanese toy brand Secret Base and artist Usugrow worked on a new toy, entitled “The Salvation Ink”. The skull angel comes in a black and a white version and has been released this week in Japan. Overall a simple, yet strong character.

The Secret Base x Usugrow “The Salvation Ink” figures are now available at Bobos.

Detailed images follow after the jump.