Christopher Gideon Creates Alternative Iconic Baseball Cards
Corinne Guirgis — July 17, 2011 — Lifestyle
References: christophergideon & booooooom
Michigan native Christopher Gideon reexamines America's pastime through his baseball card artwork. Baseball cards are one of the oldest collectables for kids and adults alike. Although some are more iconic than others, cards that pay tribute to famous baseball stars both new and old can be worth thousands of dollars. Gideon creates comedic statement works that modify the celebrated cards of legendary stars and teams.
As Gideon describes his work on his website, "The body of work is an ongoing collection of exorcisms, casting out the fears, symbols, ideologies, and false identities imprinted on Middle America, often expressed in imagery that is as much satirical as it is socially relevant."
Implications - Certain hobbies and pastimes are ingrained in American culture. Consumer products, artworks and activities inspired by these iconic activities are popular as a result of the feelings of familiarity they incite.
As Gideon describes his work on his website, "The body of work is an ongoing collection of exorcisms, casting out the fears, symbols, ideologies, and false identities imprinted on Middle America, often expressed in imagery that is as much satirical as it is socially relevant."
Implications - Certain hobbies and pastimes are ingrained in American culture. Consumer products, artworks and activities inspired by these iconic activities are popular as a result of the feelings of familiarity they incite.
Trend Themes
1. Alternative Baseball Cards - The trend of creating alternative baseball cards offers a new canvas for artists to be creative and bring humor to fans of the sport.
2. Comedic Statement Artwork - The trend of creating comedic statement art pieces offers a new opportunity to mix satire and social commentary in the world of art.
3. Reimagining Iconic Collectables - The trend of reimagining iconic collectables offers a new way for artists to modernize traditional forms of nostalgia and appeal to younger generations.
Industry Implications
1. Art - The disruptive innovation opportunity is for artists to create their own unique style by breaking away from traditional depictions of their subjects.
2. Sports Memorabilia - The disruptive innovation opportunity is to innovate the traditional collectible market by offering unique, humorous, and socially relevant products.
3. Marketing and Advertising - The disruptive innovation opportunity is to use humor and social commentary to appeal to younger generations through alternative mediums such as baseball cards and other collectables.
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