ARTY FARTY MEETS WILLOW

Arty Farty Gallery and afg Kunstverein are exhibiting one of Germany's best-known skateboarders, Christoph Wildgrube aka Willow, as an artist.

When lifestyle life styles

The skateboard lifestyle has become deeply engrained in pop culture. It stands for freedom, rebellion and a certain nonchalance that appeals to many people. These elements have influenced not only fashion, but also music, art and even language. The clothing and accessories that were originally designed for skaters are now ubiquitous in mainstream fashion. Brands such as Vans, Thrasher and Supreme have achieved cult status and can be seen both on the street and in high fashion circles.

Fashion as a gateway to lifestyle

For those who want to bring a little skateboarding lifestyle into their lives without actually being on the board, there are numerous options. Fashion is the easiest and most visible way to get started. Skate shoes, baggy jeans, hoodies and beanies are not only functional items of clothing for skaters, but also stylistic statements. This clothing conveys a sense of nonchalance and belonging to the skater community.

Legitimization and belonging

What credentials do you need to be part of this lifestyle? Basically none. Capitalism has opened the doors and made it possible for almost anyone to experience a piece of the skateboarding lifestyle. This applies to privileged groups as well as the less privileged who find access to this lifestyle through fashion and culture. Wearing skater clothing and adapting the skater aesthetic are now widely accepted forms of self-expression, regardless of whether someone can actually skate.

The essence of the skateboard lifestyle

Ultimately, the lifestyle associated with skating is more than just the sport itself. It's about the feeling of freedom, creative expression and community. While skating is a central aspect, the lifestyle that comes with it is at the heart of it. These values can be conveyed through fashion, music and art, which has allowed the skateboarding lifestyle to become integrated into many people's everyday lives.

For someone who needs a little skateboard lifestyle in their life, the options are many: from clothing to music to art. It is not necessary to be a professional skater to enjoy the essence of this lifestyle. The main thing is that you can identify with the values and feeling of the skateboard lifestyle.

Work cycle 2024

Willow's transormation works

Willow's 2024 work cycle features impressive transformational works that delve deep into the artist's material honesty and personal journey. A central metaphor runs through these works: The skateboard has been conquered, but now the board is afraid of the stairs and is contracting. Symbolically, this means that the board retreats in awe of the material, while the artist can unfold and overcome his fear. This metaphor stands for inner transformation and respect for the materials used.

In contrast to Brutalism, where material honesty means a raw and blunt representation, here material honesty is shown in the visual language, in which the board appears to contract. This contraction leads to a deformation of the board, but its original character remains recognizable. It is split open, its elements become visible and revealed.

The works unite all the materials that have shaped everyday life: Concrete, skateboard, wood, pain, respect for spots and clothing. All these components are brought together to create a deeper level of meaning. This collection and transformation of materials reflects professional and personal development.

The works on display are a distillation of what has defined the artist's life for 20 years. The transformation from skating to craft and finally to art shows an evolutionary process. Skating was both a profession and a passion, a central purpose in life. Through various courses, the material wood was discovered and transformed into skilled craftsmanship. Now begins a process of art and transformation that produces a distillate of years of exploring the material and his own work. New work processes are developed to reflect and continue this journey. Skating, once just a sport and a profession, has developed into an artistic practice through craft training.

These new working processes allow the artist to transform his experiences and knowledge into unique artworks that represent both his past and his future development.