Turning Tricks has its roots in Southern Californian culture. Well-known as the birthplace of skateboarding, Los Angeles is ground zero to some of the most iconic skate spots in the world. While still an illegal activity or nuisance in public space, the subculture continues to evolve and turn certain locations into their arena, many of which no longer exist, namely, the Venice Sand Pit. Originally a municipal picnic area it transmogrified into the birthplace of Guy Mariano’s famous Switch Pop Shuvit Grind. The exhibition also underscores the importance of basic street objects, recognizing them as instrumental to the development of innumerable tricks in skateboarding.
Turning Tricks honours these historic spots by creating artistic renditions designed to be skated and functional, reclaiming and remembering skateboarding’s roots. This exhibition celebrates the objects, locations, and so-called ‘band of outlaws’ that propel skateboarding into a leading creative and cultural force.
With multiple events activating the gallery space throughout the exhibition’s duration, these dynamic reinterpretations will bear the indelible markings of a culture that permeated the world and cemented Los Angeles as the birthplace of skateboarding and skate culture.
MICHELE LAMY ON THE PROJECT:
“I’m fighting for a new way of being. I’m ready to imagine a new world. Carpenters Workshop Gallery once again allowed me to reimagine our world, this time through skate. LA gave birth to skater culture, so what better place than CWG LA. I have always been about creating spaces for people and inviting artists to create, and this project is an extension of my world.
All the works are produced by my dynamic artists collective LamyLand, each project bringing a unique line-up. The Turning Tricks team includes Chris Benfield, Skyler DeYoung, my daughter Scarlett Rouge, and of course Danny Minnick, who is also the curator of the show. We are all on this ride together.”
ABOUT DANNY MINNICK
Danny Minnick is an American Neo-Expressionist painter, professional skateboarder, skateboard cinematographer, actor, and director born in Seattle, Washington, and living and working in Los Angeles and New York. Minnick’s work reflects his life experiences, and his positivity pays homage to his successful career as a painter, professional skateboarder, and filmmaker.
DANNY MINNICK ON THE PROJECT:
“The essence of skateboarding will be seen and heard for the first time through objects as they should be, without being considered a nuisance, an outlaw or outsider activity. Michele has been gracious enough to collaborate with me on this show. Through our beautiful conversations, we are pleased to present Turning Tricks.
The exhibition brings the artist energy that has been such a big part of my life to a format for all to consider and enjoy. Always believing, friendships made, travel, love, and creativity… no matter what, it is about creating and evolving, TURN A TRICK!”
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