Giant Robot Store and GR2 News
Posted my Ray Fong editorial yesterday, got some lukewarm comments, some not positive, but at the same time, got positive comments from those who matter most to me, and they were from around the world. Although there were other opinions on it, similar, I didn’t feel that they addressed who Barry McGee is and what he means to art. Maybe it really doesn’t matter in your opinion, but I think and feel that it does. I don’t get too involved with issues like this usually, so thanks for hearing my opinions out. There’ll be more upcoming on this issue, but thankfully, people are getting tired of it. I still believe the shoe is great, and I’d like another pair. The t shirt… that’s a bold one! I don’t wear huge prints on shirts, so I’d have to be feeling really bold to rock that. (thanks ebayer for the image)
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Posted my Ray Fong editorial yesterday, got some lukewarm comments, some not positive, but at the same time, got positive comments from those who matter most to me, and they were from around the world. Although there were other opinions on it, similar, I didn't feel that they addressed who Barry McGee is and what he means to art. Maybe it really doesn't matter in your opinion, but I think and feel...
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I know Asian Americans rally through emails. It seems like any worthwhile independent project or controversial topic spreads quickly this way. This is one of them, and honestly, it’s not the most important topic, but it is something that I think you should know. Yesterday, I received a pair of Ray Fong Adidas. They are truly beautiful shoes. The box, laces, and details are amazing. I doubt a sneaker can get much better. I put up some photos at: http://www.giantrobot.com/blogs/eric I realize there’s a lot of controversy over the Ray Fong image that appears on this shoe. It’s been on CNN and BBC in addition to the viral emails I mentioned. As a friend of the artist Barry McGee, I feel the need to come forward and address the topic. I’ve known Barry for nearly ten years, and I can safely say that he isn’t racist. For many of you who are following this controversy, you should know that Barry McGee is half Chinese-American, and has been featured on the cover of Giant Robot magazine multiple times. We were proud to exhibit the work of Ray Fong at our gallery in Los Angeles earlier this year. Let me try to explain who Barry McGee is. Coming from a graffiti artist background in San Francisco, Barry has transformed into an important contemporary artist in America. I personally believe that he has taken aspects of modern graffiti, including bombs, tags, throw-ups, stickering, and scribing, and made them acceptable in the world of fine art. Since his ascension in art, there have been numerous gallery and museum exhibits highlighting the new genre. The movement is featured in books and magazines around the world. One can also argue that it’s given rise to a new industry in America, which is young contemporary art and many art-related products including designer toys, clothing lines, and, of course, sneakers. Barry is at the forefront of this, albeit unintentionally. Making any product is rare for Barry McGee, and the shoe by Adidas should be appreciated as an art object. At $250, it’s obviously intended for a select audience, which may but most likely won’t include you. The image isn’t a joke at anyone’s expense; it’s part of Barry’s artwork. From his own words, the image is actually a no-holds-barred depiction of himself as a child. This isn’t a racist Abercrombie and Fitch T-shirt or an offensive Adam Carolla broadcast. Imagery like this is something that’s been done by many respected artists including Kara E. Walker, Kehinde Wiley, James Luna, and Manuel Ocampo. Basically it’s taking negative stereotypical imagery and using them in a proud manner. Barry McGee’s Ray Fong image can be looked at in a similar light, and will undoubtedly outlive us all. It will be placed into permanent collections in museums. It will be written about for years to come. It may eventually be in art history books. I believe that Barry’s art is precious, and a n important part of art history. As an Asian...
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I know Asian Americans rally through emails. It seems like any worthwhile independent project or controversial topic spreads quickly this way. This is one of them, and honestly, it's not the most important topic, but it is something that I think you should know.
Yesterday, I received a pair of Ray Fong Adidas. They are truly beautiful shoes. The box, laces, and details are amazing. I doubt a...
Continue reading
Yesterday, I received a pair of Ray Fong Adidas. They are truly beautiful shoes. The box, laces, and details are amazing. I doubt a...
Do not fuck with the Fongs! Stop your whining, don’t blame adidas. Stop the email forwarding. Actually, do whatever you want. It’s ok. The shoes are great. They’re amazing.
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