Yarrow Slaps First Solo Exhibition in Japan

“Breaking News”

October 9 – November 14, 2026
12:00 – 18:00
/ Closed on Sundays, Mondays and Public Holidays

Sho+1 is pleased to present “Breaking News” the first solo exhibition in Japan by San Francisco-based artist Yarrow Slaps, on view from Friday, October 9 to Saturday, November 14, 2026.

In conjunction with the exhibition, the artist will be visiting Japan from San Francisco. On Friday, October 9, we will host an opening reception at 6:00 PM featuring his works, including paintings, video, and music.

We look forward to your visit to the gallery.

Artist Statement

Upon hearing a show in Tokyo was happening I thought long and hard about what I would say and why. I thought about catering to Japanese culture and how I could merge my style with something possibly more familiar to an audience across sees. But when it all boiled down to it , I felt like just doing what was inspiring for me in the moment would be the best idea. As knowledge is shared and not catered if that makes sense?
I decided to do something centered around THE NEWS since , news is pretty common place in the world. Every country state and city has news stations, so the idea of news I felt was relatable. Now within the context of news, I always loved the distraction of the announcement bar. A way to see and hear the anchors and simultaneously see even more news sliding below lol.
So all these pieces confront different ideas, issues, politics and ways of society that I see. From a vivid piece about the current war in Iran, to millennials drinking iced matcha and going to sound baths and doing yoga to deal with everyday stress.
I was inspired by Japan, how as it seems EVERY place is FAMOUS for a certain kind of thing, and re imagining neighborhoods in my home town of San Francisco, and what if different neighborhoods cut down their fences, individual backyards could turn in to farms where then every neighborhood could then be “famous” for something and build local economy like I see in Japan etc etc.
You see that in the show, as well as Inuit Ice Sellers, selling ““premium”” glacier ice packs to anyone rich enough to afford a trip out to the great frozen tundras of Alaska, so they can come back home and flex, serve you a glass with real glacier ice in it. I thought it must be delicious lol. A comment on a heating world, a comment on how native indigenous communities get exploited and rarely seem to be able to control the natural resources that they so abundantly have,,,, because they took care of it…
Finally making a big claustrophobic weaving city that kind of places all the paintings themes back in to it. I think it is important to show Irony but as a friend shared with me, it’s most important to share/show your love. At this place in my life I just happen to be in a bit of critical mindset. I think art allows us to openly speak.
And with this show I add almost sarcastic like announcements, “breaking news bars” customarily decorated on each piece as a connecting thread to the series. I hope you enjoy this show, enjoy the humor, enjoy the pain, enjoy the critiques, enjoy the perspective and ultimately I hope it makes you think about your contributions to this matrix we share and the bigger picture of why we do what we do. To reflect on its serving purpose and what solutions do we come up with along the way.

Peace and love from San Francisco.

Yarrow Slaps

Artist Profile

Yarrow Slaps

Based in San Francisco, California, where he was born and raised, Yarrow Slaps is an artist, curator, and multimedia creator.
Slaps’ practice sits at the vibrant intersection of contemporary popular culture, art historical references, and a sharp, intuitive critique of race, class, and social structures. Formed within the Bay Area’s distinct multiculturalism, vivid DIY culture, and rich graphic traditions, his painterly style blends an intuitive, approachable “kitchen-table” aesthetic with rich textures created through a combination of acrylic, airbrush, oil stick, and other media.
His paintings cleverly integrate historical figures, cultural icons, scenes from daily life, and satirical text or graphic motifs—such as custom “breaking news” banners and broadcast tickers. While confronting heavy and critical themes, his work is underpinned by a distinct sense of humor, warmth, and a deep love for society and community. The true essence of his art lies in its ability to invite viewers into self-reflection on the modern matrix surrounding us, without ever being overbearing.
Beyond his individual artistic practice, Slaps actively curates independent art spaces and galleries (such as Swim Gallery), maintaining a deep commitment to supporting emerging and overlooked artists and communities within the mainstream art world. His multidisciplinary endeavors span various independent projects, including Ramen Forever—a collaborative art and food publication involving over 70 artists and chefs—as well as film production.
He has presented solo and group exhibitions at venues including New Image Art (Los Angeles), Guerrero Gallery (San Francisco), and completed an artist residency at the de Young Museum. He is a recipient of the 2025 Eureka Fellowship.

Yarrow Slaps
Instagram：＠yarrowslaps
Website：https://www.yarrowslapsart.com

Past Exhibitions
Solo Exhibitions (selected)

2025	“SPORTS” Whaam! Gallery, New York
2022	“Lyfe In a Strange Land” Void Gallery, San Francisco
2021	“Battle of the Long Necks” Chandran Gallery, San Francisco
2018	“More Water” State Space Gallery, San Francisco
2017	“Yee Yee Cries Of A Lost Tribe” New Image Art, West Hollywood
2015	“Get this Power” New Image Art Gallery, Los Angeles
2012	“People in the Crosswalk” Busy Being, Austin, TX

Group Exhibitions (selected)

2023	“BedStuy Art Residency Show” La Mama Gallery, New York
2022	“Creative Resilience” Los Angeles “Illegal” Luggage Store Gallery, San Francisco
2018	“MonSTARS” Swim Gallery, San Francisco “The House Plant Show” Swim Gallery, San Francisco “Phone Culture” Park Life, San Francisco
2017	“Lil Swim” Luggage Store Gallery, San Francisco “Illegal” Luggage Store Gallery, San Francisco
2014	“Chilled Air” Think Tank Gallery, Los Angeles “Naivism” Galerie Wolfsen, Denmark “Mimi Mansion Show” Guerrero Gallery, San Francisco
2013	“Tonight We Fight” New Image Art Gallery, Los Angeles “Locals Only” RVCA, San Francisco “One Foot on a Banana Peel” Co-Prosperity Sphere, Chicago, IL

Residency (selected)

2024	The Space Program, San Francisco CAST (Community Arts Stabilization Trust), San Francisco
2020	Tosa Studio Award, San Francisco
2017	Bed-Stuy Art Residency, New York
2015	De Young Museum Artist in Residence Program, San Francisco

Books (selected)

2020	Ramen Forever, Luggage Store Gallery

Exhibition Overview

Yarrow Slaps First Solo Exhibition in Japan “Breaking News”
Date：October 9 (Fri) – November 14 (Sat), 2026
Time：12:00 – 18:00/ Closed on Sundays, Mondays and Public Holidays
Venue：Sho+1

※Opening Reception
October 9 (Fri) 6pm – 8pm
The artist will attend the reception.