The work of legendary skateboarding photographer Skin Phillips is returning to his home city of Swansea next week for a four-month exhibition of his talents.
The city is home to one of Wales’ strongest skateboard and wheeled-sports communities and Phillips is internationally-renowned for capturing some of the defining moments in skateboarding history alongside contemporaries like Tony Hawk.
Glynn Vivian Art Gallery is delighted to present an exhibition of the work of artist Skin Phillips, a photographer who has been at the heart of the skateboarding scene as it evolved from an underground movement to a multi-billion-dollar industry. This exciting exhibition will run from 13 September – 5 January, showcasing Phillips’ iconic photography from Swansea to Los Angeles, capturing some of the most defining moments in skateboarding history.
Renowned for his work with San Diego’s Transworld Skateboarding magazine, Skin Phillips has been a pivotal figure in documenting the skateboarding world. His photography not only captures the adrenaline and artistry of skateboarding but also narrates the cultural shift from an underground subculture to a global phenomenon. The exhibition will feature a curated selection of Phillips’ most influential images, as well as unseen images, archival materials, spanning decades of skateboarding evolution.
In addition to showcasing his early works, Phillips has been commissioned to create a new series of photographs capturing the contemporary Swansea skateboarding scene, which will be acquired for the Gallery’s permanent collection. The new commissions are part of ‘We Are All Artists’ supported by the Culture & Tourism Anchor at Swansea Council and funded by the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund. This series will highlight the vibrancy and diversity of the local skateboarding community, reinforcing the cultural significance of skateboarding in Swansea.
About Skin Phillips: Skin Phillips, originally from Swansea, has made an indelible mark on the skateboarding world through his photography. His career began in the early 1980s, and his work has been a staple in leading skateboarding publications and exhibitions worldwide. Phillips’ unique perspective and ability to capture the essence of skateboarding culture have earned him widespread acclaim and respect within the industry.
Karen MacKinnon, Glynn Vivian Curator, said: “We are honoured to host Skin Phillips’ photography at the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery. His work provides an authentic and powerful portrayal of skateboarding, which will resonate with so many here in Swansea and across the world. It is a celebration of Photography, street art, sport and the wider cultural significance of skateboarding to so many. We are excited to share Skin’s incredible photographs with all our visitors.”
Skin Phillips, said: “Returning to Swansea for this exhibition is incredibly special for me. It’s a chance to share my journey and the stories of the skaters I’ve photographed over the years. I hope to inspire a new generation of photographers and skateboarders alike.”
