Skateboarding and street art have always had a close connection. From the early days of the sport, Skateboarders have been known to express themselves through art, and street art has been a major influence on Skateboarding culture. This connection between Skateboarding and street 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.
Street art is a form of public art that is created on streets, walls, and other public spaces, and it has been a major influence on Skateboarding culture since the 1970s. The rebellious and nonconformist attitude of Skateboarders has aligned with the same attitude of street artists, who use public spaces to make a statement and express themselves.
In the 1970s and 1980s, graffiti art was a major influence on Skateboarding culture, especially on street-style Skateboarding. Graffiti art represented a way for Skateboarders to express themselves and make a statement. Many Skateboarders of this era were also involved in the graffiti art scene, and this connection helped to shape the sport's culture and identity. This period also saw the emergence of the first street-style Skateboarding, and the graffiti art style was often used in the design of Skatepark and Skate spots.
In the 1990s and 2000s, street art 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 graffiti in its set design.
In recent years, Skateboarding has continued to evolve, and the street art connection remains strong.