Fotis Gerakis' urban artwork consists of a series of wooden skateboard decks painted with spray paint, markers, and watercolor pencils. The decks are comprised of two primary styles and subjects; one is a collection of graffiti-style pieces, while the other consists of a series of portraits of iconic women.
These women, or divas, comprise an ongoing series with a strong, fine art influence which showcases extensive technical ability. Well-crafted portraits of iconic celebrities from the West and from the Middle East such as Sophia Loren, Fayrouz, Marilyn Monroe, and Sabah are depicted. The recent focus on female Middle Eastern idols is an organic extension of the series, as parallels can be drawn between the idolization of these different women in all parts of the world. Their names have become a part of the vernacular, and are familiar touchstones which unify cultures and societies.
Depicting commercial appeal and a distinctive interpretation, each woman is placed as the focal point on the skateboard deck, accompanied by a symbol which correlates with her country of origin and the popular culture and vernacular of that country. For example, Brigitte Bardot is associated with cigarettes, as they were traditionally interpreted as an erotic prop to emphasis her sexual appeal. In a nod to the artist’s graphic design roots, each woman’s name appears in hand-lettered typography, almost as if they are being skillfully rebranded.
Strteet Art Skate Boards
Fotis Gerakis' urban artwork consists of a series of wooden skateboard decks painted with spray paint, markers, and watercolor pencils. The decks are comprised of two primary styles and subjects; one is a collection of graffiti-style pieces, while the other consists of a series of portraits of iconic women.
These women, or divas, comprise an ongoing series with a strong, fine art influence which showcases extensive technical ability. Well-crafted portraits of iconic celebrities from the West and from the Middle East such as Sophia Loren, Fayrouz, Marilyn Monroe, and Sabah are depicted. The recent focus on female Middle Eastern idols is an organic extension of the series, as parallels can be drawn between the idolization of these different women in all parts of the world. Their names have become a part of the vernacular, and are familiar touchstones which unify cultures and societies.
Depicting commercial appeal and a distinctive interpretation, each woman is placed as the focal point on the skateboard deck, accompanied by a symbol which correlates with her country of origin and the popular culture and vernacular of that country. For example, Brigitte Bardot is associated with cigarettes, as they were traditionally interpreted as an erotic prop to emphasis her sexual appeal. In a nod to the artist’s graphic design roots, each woman’s name appears in hand-lettered typography, almost as if they are being skillfully rebranded.
