Raymon Pettibon’s fascination with surfers is the driving force behind a new book distributed by David Zwirner Books. Pettibon’s Surfer series started in 1985, highlighting the “fragility” of humanity against mother nature. The book features over 100 surfers in varying mediums, from sketches to paintings.
Pettibon’s surfers are meant to evoke conflicting feelings in its viewers, “express[ing] the terror and bliss of being alive,” says Charles-Antoine Bodson, founder of successful skateboard brand The Skateroom. Text by Pettiborn will examine how influences from Southern California affected the artist’s work and shaped his perspective. Professional surfers will aid in helping bring readers inside Pettibon’s mind by detailing the sensory experience of surfing and the ocean waves.
‘Point Break: Raymond Pettibon, Surfers and Waves’ is available at David Zwirner Books.
Image Credit: David Zwirner Books
What's Driving This Trend
- Surfer Art
- Artists and illustrators are creating surfing-inspired art that explores themes of humanity's relationship with nature.
- Surfer Lifestyle
- A surge of interest in surfing is driving demand for lifestyle products related to the sport such as clothing, accessories, and home decor.
- Surfing Iconography
- Surfing-related images and symbols are increasingly used in branding and advertising to evoke feelings of freedom, adventure, and connection to nature.
Who This Affects Most
- Art
- Artists and galleries are finding success with surf-inspired artwork that appeals to a growing audience of surfers and outdoor enthusiasts.
- Lifestyle
- Retailers are capitalizing on the popularity of surfing with a range of lifestyle products, including clothing, accessories, and home decor.
- Advertising
- Brands across a range of industries are incorporating surfing imagery into their advertising and branding to tap into a desire for adventure and connection to nature.
