It’s easy to forget that just a few decades ago, the art produced by skateboarders wasn’t taken seriously by the art world at large. In 2024, “skate art” is a well-established genre, and the transition from pro skater to artist is a familiar narrative. Skate art is even featured in high-profile art fairs such as Art Basel and Frieze, sought after by collectors. To gain a fresh perspective, we asked an art critic to review works by some established artists who originated in the skate world, without revealing their identities. We provided five images and asked for her informed opinion.
After a few referrals, we connected with Shana Nys Dambrot, an LA-based critic with an extensive resume. As a former Art History major, art writer, curator, and an artist herself, Shana was more than qualified. We sent her a Dropbox link and got her honest take on some notable works from skateboarders. Here’s what she had to say:
Arto Saari – (no title)
This image evokes classic Americana, bordering on cliché. Yet, the impulse to capture this moment is undeniable. A remote, rain-splashed highway, surrounded by lush greenery and a snow-capped peak at the end of a straight blacktop—it’s irresistible. The landscape itself is beautiful, and the addition of the three bikers adds a narrative, creating an Easy Rider-esque tone of freedom. The focus is more on their experience than the photographer’s, due to their small size within the expansive frame. The perspective draws the eye towards the riders and the horizon, reinforcing a sense of forward motion. The composition is excellent, but the image quality could be improved; better processing would enhance its impact and gravitas. The foundation is solid, but the vision could be amplified by more advanced technique.
Ed Templeton – Eulogy for Lost Saliva 2
A young couple kissing on a beach is a timeless image in film and photography. This photo embodies love, curiosity, and summer. There’s humor in the boy’s jaunty hat and how he holds his sunglasses, focusing on the girl. The modern details, like the shades and the print on his shorts, contrast with the 60s beach blanket movie vibe. The setting is a bit off; the plain cement wall backdrop adds a strange touch, suggesting a secret place. This hint of mystery elevates the image, making it deeper and more modern. The longer you look, the more it transforms from sweet to thought-provoking.
Stefan Janoski – (no title)
This bronze sculpture’s lack of technical refinement enhances its emotional impact. The symbolism—a sad king, in a child’s pose with a weathered face, a fanciful crown, and a tattered cigarette, with a cup spilling into a river and tree—creates a dark fairytale effect. The roughness of the anatomy and the metal surface heightens this. The journey from death to life, moving from the figure to the tree, is reinforced by the textures and dark patina. The figure’s wide stance has a tribal feel, but this contrasts with the modern feel of the rest of the figure, creating a stylistic imbalance. The primitivist element should be more present throughout the work or the lower half of the sculpture should be more contemporary. Despite these minor issues, it shows skill in a difficult medium and makes the viewer eager to see more.
Chad Muska – Mirror Image
The positive/negative contrasting qualities of this diptych are more old-school in their approach to abstraction and materials. It has an art historical confidence, reminiscent of mid-century American painters. The deconstructed brushwork suggests masonry tools rather than a studio setting. It combines sculpture and photography to create texture and almost-repetition, imprint and echo. The ghosting effect is like underpaintings rising from beneath the surfaces. The grayscale palette highlights the lines and textures, creating optical movement and a focused quality of attention. The challenge will be maintaining freshness while adapting this style to new forms or colors.
Mark Gonzalez – The park
This full-length portrait of a blue-skinned demon wearing fishnets and a giant boner is complex, smart, and charming. The obscured text and color blocks give it a personal, journal-like feel. The loose rendering creates a sense of quick gesture. The ground, resembling grass, sand, or concrete, is echoed by the word “park” and the vine around the figure’s arm. The industrial architecture reinforces the outdoor setting, which makes the nudity funnier. The natural yet awkward palette suggests a refined artistic sensibility. The raw refinement and restraint in embellishment gives it a mature style, making the central blue penis more like dark humor than shock value. The penis is slightly distracting from the best aspects of the technique. However, the kinky boots, rendered with intricate detail, work well due to the nudity. Overall, it’s a good balance to be aware of.
Conclusion
These artists, with roots in skateboarding, have successfully translated their unique perspectives into the art world. Their works, whether photography, sculpture, or painting, demonstrate a blend of raw energy, technical skill, and conceptual depth. The critic’s perspective provides valuable insights into their strengths and areas for growth, highlighting the evolving landscape of skate-inspired art. These artists continue to push boundaries, proving that the creativity sparked by skateboarding extends far beyond the ramps and rails.
