Deck the Walls/Skate This Art at Gallery 28

A heterogeneous and fascinating show of skate art runs through April 30th at Gallery 28. This show benefits North Beach Citizens, an organization that assists the homeless. The show includes artists at all levels of skill, of technical ambition and of career trajectory. Some decks feature layers of semitransparent graphics. On others the paint is thick.The use of the decks, their repeated shapes, unifies the show.

The stand out pieces among the decks done by established skate artists include a darkly whimsical piece by Jeremy Fish continuing his growing interest in frames and framing devices. Ed Hardy’s piece, one of his signature tigers, exemplifies his mastery of fitting images to contours whether the human body, a ming vase, or a deck.

Many of the artists in the show did not begin their careers nor make their reputations as skate artists. Not every artist represented makes the transition work, but almost all are surprisingly successful. Most seem to have considered the shape, the texture, or the many cultural and experiential associations of boards. Among the excellent adaptations is the deck of Lawrence Ferlinghetti, the layout of which skillfully emphasizes/ plays with the deck’s shape.

A small room dedicated to the boards of children drives home the importance of designing with a deck in mind. Yes, most of the children do this. Through what combination of skillful tutoring, original insight, or curatorial selection is not easily ascertainable by the viewer.

On April 17th a reception, silent auction, and raffle, will feature videos by Patrick O’Neil, Geo Epsilanty, and Caleb Irie. Patrick O’Neil’s videos will include “The YAA Girlz and the Deadly Sparks,” a documentary dealing with women’s struggles to be allowed to skate, with a great soundtrack including the music of local punk bands including Fang, Afflicted, Bad Posture, and Speed Racer.

Gallery 28 is at 1228 Grant Avenue in North Beach. Through April 30.