“Agents Provocateurs: Subversive Skateboard Graphics & Artworks” at Subliminal Projects

Subliminal Projects presented a VIP opening reception for AGENTS PROVOCATEURS: A Selection of Subversive Skateboard Graphics & Artworks on Saturday January 24. During the night, where most artists were in attendance, there were three prints released (each in an edition of 100) as well as a limited edition skateboard deck (edition of 50). The prints were by skateboard legends Sean Cliver, Todd Francis, and Marc Mckee. The deck was by Ben Horton. Music was provided by Shepard Fairey, El Blint, Stack-Aly and DJ Meechface (aka Dimitry Elyashkevich).

The exhibition of work, hanging through February 21,  focuses on provocative skateboard graphics and the pioneers that hurled skateboard artwork into the counter culture limelight. Curated by author Seb Carayol and Erica Overske, Agents Provocateurs brings together a selection of decks and fine art by artists including: Alyasha Owerka-Moore, Andy Jenkins, Ben Horton, Cleon Peterson, Donny Miller, Ed Templeton, Marc McKee, Mark Foster, Michael Sieben, Nil Ultra, Sean Cliver, Todd Francis, and Winston Tseng.

Skateboard graphics took a magnetic leap in offensive expression after the sport was reborn aesthetically and otherwise in the 90s. Artists such as those featured in this show brought dark humor and politically incorrect topics to the forefront of their illustrations. Since the 90s and continuing to this day, these artists do not just decorate and sell skateboards. They raise serious issues, questioning values and challenging authority, deliberately evoking reactions from viewers.

AGENTS PROVOCATEURS: A Selection of Subversive Skateboard Graphics & Artworks is on exhibition at SUBLIMINAL PROJECTS through February 21. The address is 1331 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90026

All photographs  by Lauren Over.