Rip The Ripper Art Show Is A Hit!
February 13, 2009 – 1:35 am PT by MikeTags: Chef Boyardee, Peralta, Powell, Santa Cruz, Shepard Fairey, Steve Caballero, The Ripper —
If you were to pick one image from all of skateboarding’s history, you would have a long, and extensive list probably full of nostalgia. Nothing from the 90’s and on could count. How can it when it’s prime was in the 80’s? But when it comes down to it, Psycho Sticks, the Gator board, Santa Cruz Hand, all had their moments but the Ripper forever lives on.
The RIPPER to skateboarding is like the Nike AIR Jordan Silhouette to basketball, the Pink Floyd PRISM to rock n’ roll, and like CHEF BOYARDEE to fine cuisine. Nothing speaks louder than those images to their related aesthetics. Nothing. And when it comes to the Ripper, how fitting is it to celebrate the skull and tear image than to have a bunch of artist come together for an exhibit showcasing their interpretation to the infamous image?
On January 23rd, 2009, Powell-Peralta hosted the Rip the Ripper Art Show. Fifty eight artists had pieces on display. The reason for the show was to celebrate The Ripper graphic. Many skaters and artists have been influenced by VCJs image over the years, so they wanted to do something that would pay respect to VCJ and get skaters stoked. Powell-Peralta invited a group of artists and asked them to interpret The Ripper in their own style. If I were one of the artists involved, I definitely would have incorporated the wilderness because the Ripper to me looks like he’s coming out of a bear’s butt. The reception was a big hit.
