Skateboarding and art have always had a close connection. From the early days of the sport, Skateboarders have been known to express themselves through art, and the sport has been heavily influenced by various art movements and styles throughout its history. This connection between Skateboarding and art is a fascinating aspect of the sport and culture, and it has played a significant role in shaping the identity and expression of the Skateboarding community.
In the early days of Skateboarding, the sport was heavily influenced by the surf culture of Southern California. Skateboarders of this era often used art to express the laid-back and carefree lifestyle of the sport. Many of the first Skateboard graphics were inspired by the beach and surf culture, featuring images of waves, surfers, and tropical landscapes.
In the 1970s and 1980s, punk rock and graffiti art emerged as major influences on Skateboarding culture. Punk rock reflected the rebellious and nonconformist attitude of Skateboarders, and graffiti art represented a way for Skateboarders to express themselves and make a statement. Many Skateboarders of this era were also involved in the punk rock and graffiti art scenes, and this connection helped to shape the sport's culture and identity.
In the 1980s, the "golden age" of Skateboarding, the sport began to be heavily influenced by the graphic design and illustration art movements. Many professional skateboarders started to collaborate with artists and graphic designers to create unique and expressive skateboard graphics. This era also saw the introduction of the first Skateboarding video games, and the graphics for these games often featured bold and colorful illustrations.
In the 1990s and 2000s, street art and graphic design continued to be popular among Skateboarders. This style of art reflected the urban and street-style of Skateboarding, which was gaining popularity at the time. Many Skateboarders began to experiment with new tricks and techniques, drawing inspiration from the art they were exposed to. This period also saw the rise of Skateboarding-themed reality TV shows, such as Rob Dyrdek's "Ridiculousness" and "Street League Skateboarding" which often featured street art and graphic design in its set design.
In recent years, Skateboarding has continued to evolve, and the art connection remains strong. The sport continues to be influenced by various art movements and styles, and Skateboarders continue to express themselves through art. Many professional Skateboarders are also involved in the art industry, either as artists or as art enthusiasts, and this connection continues to shape the sport's culture and identity.