BOMB! Skate Deck Art Show

On 5^th June 2012 the opening night of the BOMB! Skate Deck Art Show kicked off with a live band, fitting the atmosphere of the vibrant and punky works that are on display. 

The exhibition is situated above the edgy Black Heart pub, the perfect location for the exclusive and original urban artwork provided from over 20 artists.

Skateboard decks are known for their ‘out-there’ designs revolving around skateboarding culture. Duly, there is a huge market for artists to create fun and unique designs that match the vibes of the world of skateboarding. This exhibition is a fantastic example of the original work of different styles and methods that artists are creating.

The variety of styles is a real joy to look at; each deck has a completely different feel to the last. Some decks have been created using oil paints or pencils and others with more unique materials – such as Kiera Rathbone’s typewriter art, which uses characters from typewriters to form a stunningly accurate portrait of the Queen in a tribute for her recent jubilee. 

Another collection of decks which really stood out were Phil Morgan’s Wilderness series. The Cardiff artist’s bold and colourful decks take on a surreal depiction of an owl, snake and wolf all spawning multiple eyes, producing an effervescent series that catches the viewers’ attention immediately. 

The culture of skateboarding has an urban, gritty and street-style persona typically expressed through graffiti, stencils and others – much of which is on display at the BOMB! Skate Deck Art Show. The show gives you a taste of something new and fresh, and the passion behind the art is powerfully reflected in the decks.

The exhibition runs until 26^th June, so skateboarders and out-of-the-ordinary art connoisseurs should get down to the Black Heart and check out these stunning skateboard decks.

Simon Franklin

Take a peek at the exhibition’s Facebook, or visit the Black Heart pub’s website for further information.