Art on wheels

I am a huge fan of skateboarders out there riding the rails and grinding their way over the city. Unfortunately, Dubai is still young and it's street culture of skateboarding is still in its initial stages, with very few skate-parks around the city. Which is why when Wafa Al Maktoum, director of FN Designs, took the next step by curating the first skateboard art exhibition in the region 'Fakie', I was more than thrilled to go and check it out. Too bad there were no skateboarders grinding their stuff during the launch .

{Khalid Mezaina} Bring the sword & axe

Of all the works, I loved his the most, those bold primary colors sure triggers something in me!
 His concept is based on a combination of the urban world of skating and traditional UAE folklore. 

{Janet Belleto} Mille-mare (a million seas)

Janet's designs are inspired by her continued exploration of underwater worlds as well as animal and sea creature illustrations.

{Mohammed Al Shaibani} 

Music doesn't lie. If there's something to be changed in this world, then it can only happen through music

Admiring the artistic illustration and composition that went into this design. Mohammed pays homage to the 'grooviest' dude out there,  a great man who once spoke through his music - Jimi Hendrix.

{Eyan Lomuntad} Right here. Right Now!

I love the description of this piece. Remember those Fruitella chewy candies? This is how it feels like! Word!

{Lateefa Bint Maktoum Al Maktoum} Lazer Flip

This was by far the most unique and conceptual skate design at the exhibition, the image engraved directly onto the original wooden surface. Of her design, Lateefa related a skater's tricks and movements as birds about to take flight. With that in mind, she wanted it to be playful, yet still referencing the roots of skateboarding, hence a surfer.

{Darwin Guevarra} Face to Face Basis

Drawing straight onto the board, Darwin's freehand quirky illustrations are just too cool.