The Skateroom teamed up with South African artist Robin Rhode to create a limited edition range of skateboards adorned with five of his iconic artworks.
The premise behind the work at The Skateroom is to make art accessible. This is based on a social consciousness which is the heartbeat of what they do. The Skateroom collaborates with artists from different parts of the world to create limited edition collections of skateboard decks. By treating the skateboard deck as a canvas in the traditional art sense, they are created with the vision of being hung up on a wall and displayed as one would with a painting. However, people can skate on them as well. The combining of the skateboard with traditional understandings around the way in which art is treated and viewed highlights their exploration and interrogation of the conventions around skateboard artwork, allowing them to push the boundaries of how the skateboard is used and viewed. These collectable editions are sold in various art institutions as a means to fund and support social projects channeled through the NGO Skateistan. This organization, operating in Cambodia, South Africa and Afghanistan aims to empower vulnerable children through skateboarding and education.
The Skateroom decided to join forces with Berlin-based South African artist Robin Rhode. His work is influenced by his upbringing in Cape Town and looks at urban spaces and the people who occupy them. Five of his well-known outdoor wall artworks produced over the last few years were the inspiration for this monotone collection of skate decks. There are only 100 of each design available, with the first 15 being signed by Rhode. Rhode also created a skateboard deck exclusively for Skateistan. The Skateroom produced 300 to cover the organization’s annual need for skateboards. A few of these were signed by the artist and will be auctioned off in Johannesburg to raise money and create awareness around their Johannesburg skate school.
Go online to check out the collection
