“Each mask I create reflects its own heroes and demons – because within each of us, and therefore as a society as a whole, we constantly search for our humanity between our hopes and fears. Our modern culture is not without rituals, these masks and the sacrifice of coveted sneakers are a way of examining my own sins of materialism while breaking past them and re-purposing them for the sake of art and expression. The masks represent a culture obsessed with opulence while trying to save its soul. The question remains, can we truly be fly if our conscience is weighing us down?”
The newest mask has deep ties and really began back in December of 2011 when I showed up to SneakerCon Los Angeles with the recently created Black Cement III Gas mask. It was there that I first met BC3 aficionado, Ray “Figgs” of 8 & 9, once I saw their “Real Heads Rock Their Kicks” tee I knew I had to use it for my photo shoot.
The mask was photographed in Oakland, California with some help from Jason Seals, @EZ_mfkn_me, and another 8 & 9 Alum –@BrainGaing_Brooks. To bring it all full circle the Sport Blue 3 Gas Mask will be on display with 8&9 this Saturday 10/16/2016 at SneakerCon DMV!
