High-Art Skateboards for a Good Cause
The artistPaul McCarthy is famous for his provocative sculptures —- like that giant butt plughe dropped on Paris last year.Now he’s trying his hand at a different medium, the skateboard. As decks go, they’re not cheap. But at around $350 each, they’re a steal for a piece by a renowned (and reviled) artist who’s been in the Whitney Biennial three times, and who shows at the tony international gallery Hauser & Wirth. And it’s for a good cause: McCarthy is workingwithThe Skateroom, an organization that aims to bring education and leadership opportunities to underprivileged kids through the magic of skate culture. They’re planning to use the proceeds to build askate park and school in central Johannesburg, South Africa.
It’s a good pairing. Skate culture, withall its grunge and grunt, appeals to teenagers by giving mainstream culturethe finger. And McCarthy, approaching 70, has always been critical of capitalism and authority.In his work, McCarthy takes symbols of Western cultureand underminesthem. For his skateboards, McCarthy took commercial products —-Miracle Whip, Heinzketchup, Ken’s head —- anddirtied them up. Or maybe he’s just letting thethe greed and corruption of consumer cultureshow.
The article you just read is free because dedicated readers and listeners like you chose to support our nonprofit newsroom. Our team works tirelessly to ensure you hear the latest in international, human-centered reporting every weekday. But our work would not be possible without you. We need your help.
Make a gift today to help us raise $67,000 by the end of the year and keep The World going strong. Every gift will get us one step closer to our goal!