In the heart of Johannesburg, Crispy Skateboards stands as a testament to the seamless fusion of art and skate culture. Established in 2019, this family-run enterprise—comprising a father and his three sons—crafts premium handmade skateboards that are as much canvases for artistic expression as they are instruments for sport. Their mission transcends mere manufacturing; they aim to nurture and expand the local skating community, collaborating with artists to produce unique, collectible art decks.
Image Left to Right: Lucian, Kaelik and Thys, Father and Sons
Crispy Skateboards’ commitment to collaboration is evident in their partnerships with a diverse array of artists, resulting in decks that are both visually striking and culturally resonant. For instance, their collaboration with the visual storyteller Njabulo Hlophe, also known as Dirty Native Chief, led to a heat press printing session where attendees could print custom designs on T-shirts, blending traditional artistry with modern skate culture.
Such collaborations not only enrich the aesthetic appeal of their products but also strengthen the bond between the skateboarding and art communities. By transforming skateboards into moving pieces of art, Crispy Skateboards challenges conventional perceptions and elevates the cultural significance of both disciplines.
A Collaboration Between Origin Art and Crispy Skateboards
Skateboarding is a language of motion—an act of balance, defiance, and improvisation. It is a culture built on self-expression, where style is everything, and creativity flourishes in the most unexpected spaces. Motion and Expression brings together over 40 artists to explore the skateboard deck as both a canvas and a symbol of artistic and personal freedom.
With over 50 hand-painted and custom-designed decks, Motion and Expression showcases a dynamic spectrum of artistic voices. The featured works span a range of mediums—graffiti, mixed media, fine art, and graphic design—all united by the spirit of experimentation and storytelling that defines skateboarding and art. Here, decks are not just displayed but activated: as pieces to be ridden, collected, and lived with.
The idea is to bring the outside world into the gallery through Motion and Expression and also to take these stories back out beyond the gallery walls again. This is more than an exhibition—it is a tribute to the artists and skaters who redefine the world around us, who see the city not as fixed but as fluid, as a space of endless possibility.
Crispy Skateboards exemplifies how art and skateboarding can intersect to create something truly unique.
Through their artist collaborations, they have transformed skate decks into mobile art pieces, enriching both the visual arts and skateboarding communities. Their commitment to quality craftsmanship and community engagement continues to inspire and shape Johannesburg’s cultural landscape.
Check out their website: https://crispyskateboards.com/pages/about
