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The Art of Skateboarding: The History of an Urban Culture

by Sylvie Barco

Skateboarding as sport, art, and urban culture

Regular price $30.08 USD
Regular price $50.14 USD Sale price $30.08 USD
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AlbakiReads Editorial

Skateboarding as sport, art, and urban culture

Sylvie Barco’s illustrated history traces skateboarding from its early boards and 1960s Los Angeles roots to contemporary skateparks and Olympic recognition. The book places the sport within a broader visual culture, covering its styles, iconic brands, artistic designs, events, and festivals. Its account also draws on material from magazines, music, video games, and films, alongside photography and excerpts that document changing tricks, milestones, and technical achievements. Together, these strands frame skateboarding as both a developing sport and a cultural movement shaped across several decades.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Adults interested in the history of skateboarding and its urban culture
  • Readers curious about the visual art, design, and brands associated with skateboarding
  • Those interested in how skateboarding has developed across sport, media, and public events

Themes

Skateboarding historyUrban cultureVisual art and designSport and media

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

An illustrated, definitive guide to the art of skateboarding - from the streets of 1960s Los Angeles to today's Olympic skateparks.

From the empty pools of 1960s Los Angeles to today's Olympic skateparks, skateboarding has fostered a vibrant street culture that is visually striking yet often misunderstood.

In this definitive illustrated guide, trace the evolution of the skateboarding from the very first boards to a thriving industry defined by iconic brands and distinctive styles. Through never-before-seen photography, and exclusive access to designs from top artists, learn how skateboarding has become a living cultural movement, with dedicated events, exhibitions, and festivals, even attaining Olympic status.

Told through engaging narrative and pivotal excerpts from magazines, music, video games and films, Skate showcases the fearless tricks, defining moments, heroes and technical achievements through decades of transformation.
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