Skateboarding and art join forces once again but in a different light, thanks to the vision of Russian artist Kirill Savchenkov.
This new mixed media installation, hosted in London this summer, considers skateboarding not just as a form of exercise, but also as a visceral way to explore and reflect on the contemporary city space. The project studies the secret language of the sport, illustrating how certain architectural interventions or objects can be understood through skateboarding.
Skateboarding is the method to understand the human body, memory and consciousness on the one hand and the peculiar landscape of the city. An architectural project gets an unexpected interpretation through sport and related practices.
The project is a collection of photo and video materials, artifacts and research results looking into skateboarding as a unique method of studying the city scape.
In the course of a separate study, the overlapping points between skateboarding and the other areas of human activity (military arts, political science fitness, martial arts) and mental practices are brought to light. Also studied is the secret language of skateboarding – there are objects in the city environment whose purpose can only be understood trough skateboarding practices.
The exhibition presents a video projection, demonstrating the skateboardist’s perspective of urban space and a module of crossfit implements with installation components inside: a replica of a perfect skating spot, a promo video of skateboarding practice, metallic and plexiglass boards with artist’s drawings, studyguide and skateboard tracks on the wall.
The Museum of Skateboarding is on at 22 Calvert, Calvert Avenue, London, E2 7JP. Open from Wed-Sun, 12-6pm until September 11th.
