Barry McGee, also known by various nicknames such as his graffiti tag "Twist," is a prominent American artist whose work bridges the gap between street culture and fine art. When he worked in the San Francisco Bay Area in the early 1990s, McGee's art was deeply influenced by the energy and chaos of urban life and explored problems with government, capitalism, and people who are often ignored by society. Transitioning into gallery spaces, Barry McGee maintained his street art roots, bringing the rawness of graffiti into the contemporary art world.
Barry McGee’s collaboration with American skateboard company Baker Skateboards in 2021 resulted in a series of five skateboard decks that not only serve as functional skateboards but also as collectible art pieces. The artwork on the five skate decks sticks to his unique artistic blend of urban aesthetics and artistic expression. Each deck was dedicated to a prominent professional skateboarder: Barry McGee, as represented on the Barry McGee Steamer Barry 8.0 Skate Deck; Theotis Beasley; Kevin Long; Dustin Dollin; and Andrew Reynolds, who is also a co-founder of Baker Skateboards.
The artwork on the Barry McGee x Baker skateboard decks showcases geometric patterns and repetitive shapes that create a sense of movement, signature vibrant colors, and recurring human figures with weary eyes, frowns, and scowls. The flip sides feature individual caricatures of the five professional skateboarders. These elements combine to produce decks that are visually striking and reflective of McGee's artistic journey. Make sure to check out other skate decks on StockX from brands such as HUF and Vans.
