The thrill of discovering new skate photos and videos often lies in the unexpected – like catching skaters interacting with public art. A well-placed statue, captured from the perfect angle, can elevate even simple tricks, sparking a desire for more unique skate spots beyond the familiar supermarket parking lot.
While the origins of these skateable sculptures often go unconsidered, the photo book, Riding Modern Art, delves into the relationship between skateboarders and these monumental pieces of public art. It reveals a dynamic where skateboarders and photographers collaborate, breathing new life into static artworks, transforming them into something even more compelling.
This article will showcase some of the book’s most captivating images, providing context to the sculptures that we’ve likely seen but perhaps never truly examined.
Tête de femme – Pablo Picasso (1967)
Michi (frontside wallride, 2016)
Chicago, Illinois
Tête de femme, or “The Picasso,” is among the largest public works by Picasso, prominently displayed in downtown Chicago. Its estimated cost today would be around $3 million. Picasso himself contributed to the project, gifting it to Chicago, a city he playfully referred to as the “gangster city.”
Pablo Picasso never officially explained the meaning behind Tête de femme, leaving its interpretation open. Theories suggest it may depict a young French woman or an Afghan hound. Adding to its mystique, Mike Royko, a Chicago newspaper columnist, famously likened its eyes to those of exploitative slum owners. This ambiguity, much like the mystery of how it was first skated, adds to the sculpture’s enduring intrigue.
Le Signal – Henri-Georges Adam (1959-60)
Max Rosenbauer (360 flip, 2011)
Le Havre, France
Henri-Georges Adam designed Le Signal specifically for its location, utilizing polished white cement to harmonize with the surrounding ocean vista. This sculpture offers a high “wow factor” relative to its technical difficulty, allowing for striking photos even with basic tricks.
Interpretations of Le Signal vary, with some seeing an eye and others a shell. While this lack of clarity could be perceived as simplistic, it may contribute to the Le Havre Muma museum’s ongoing restoration efforts.
Sprout – Chase Chen (2010)
Barney Page (axle stall, 2014)
Shanghai, China
The presence of excellent skate spots in Communist countries is somewhat puzzling, and the fact that this piece was gifted from San Francisco to Shanghai adds to the irony.
Actress Joan Chen successfully persuaded a Shanghai committee to accept the sculpture. Her brother, Chase Chen, based in San Francisco, designed the piece, which debuted at the 2010 World Expo. Perhaps one day, Sprout will return to San Francisco, offering a skateable alternative for those who avoid challenging hills.
EMBÂCLE – Charles Daudelin (1984)
Olivier Ente (pivot to fakie, 2006)
Paris, France
Charles Daudelin, a master of ceramics and casting from La Maîtrise d’art, created this fountain for La Place du Québec in Paris. Its bronze structure against the moving water symbolizes melting ice at the beginning of spring. This poetic metaphor finds a parallel in the graceful pivot to fakie performed on the sculpture.
Variante ovoide de la desocupacion de la esfera – Jorge Oteiza, (1985-2002)
Tino Arena (pivot to fakie, 2016)
Bilbao, Spain
This sculpture’s title translates to “oval-shaped variant of the sphere’s idleness,” indicating a round but not too round design. Created by Jorge Oteiza, also known for the MACBA drop-in statue, the piece explores construction through linearly twisted curves.
While the art world might discuss its metaphysical aspects, skateboarders recognize it for what it is: a challenging and unique skate spot.
Fers – Driss Sans-Arcidet – 2009
Vicent Coupeau (frontide 5-0, 2010)
Paris, France
These giant, rusted handcuffs on public display serve as a poignant acknowledgement of slavery. This monument commemorates French Revolutionary general Thomas-Alexandre Dumas. The designer, Sans-Arcidet, portrayed one cuff open with chains descending, and the other closed with chains rising, symbolizing his journey from slavery to general for Napoleon Bonaparte.
Camdonian – Barry Flanagan (1980)
Bobby Puleo (backside flip, 2003)
London, England
Barry Flanagan created this public piece in London to challenge how museums dictate the perception of art, making it suitable for skating. Camdonian, made of sheet metal, is lauded for its visual softness and tactile sharpness. Its cut-out center provides a unique perspective, and it also captured the perfect angle for Bobby Puleo’s trick.
Doppelachse – Heinz-Günther Prager (1986)
Kalle Wiehn (50-50, 2013)
Cologne, Germany
Doppelachse, or “double axis,” is located on a busy road median in Cologne, Germany. Prager designed it to play with perception, as the discs appear to shift angles depending on the viewer’s perspective. The “double axis” moves as the observer moves, making it a dynamic work of art.
Alternatively, it could simply be seen as two large circles, perfect for skateboarding.
Pavilion – Rok Grdisa (2007)
Thomas Steinwender (nollie bigspin, 2010)
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Initially designed to be temporary, Pavilion was repurposed for public display in Park Tivoli, Ljubljana, Slovenia. Grdisa’s sculpture is meant to direct visitors toward nearby museums and exhibitions. If it had been discarded, as planned, local skateboarders would have likely repurposed the metal into unique ledges.
Virginia – Clement Meadmore (1970)
Louie Barletta (frontside rock, 2008)
Canberra, Australia
Our final stop takes us to a sculpture that’s visually striking but not very skateable. Virginia, a massive steel sculpture near Lake Burley Griffin in Australia, was dedicated by Meadmore to Virginia Cuppaidge, a geometric abstractionist who inspired his work.
The structure’s visual weight is balanced by a seemingly gravity-defying design. One can only imagine the impressive feat it would have been to see Louie navigate the entire loop.
Conclusion
The juxtaposition of skateboarding and public art highlights how these seemingly disparate worlds can creatively interact. Riding Modern Art captures this dynamic, proving that skateboarders, with their unique perspective, can transform stagnant artworks into vibrant and dynamic spaces.
This article encourages readers to seek out and appreciate the art in their local skate spots, and perhaps even inspire them to see public art with fresh eyes.
Note: All photos are courtesy of Éditions B42. You can purchase “Riding Modern Art” here.
