The Story Behind Skiing's Most Eye-Catching Graphics

A world-renowned artist who has worked with tech giants Apple and Meta and been highlighted by CNN, Dazed, and Good Morning America, Alabo’s work pulls at the brain’s desire to understand: A shimmering platinum-clad faceless man walks through a portal with loose eyeballs watching. Silhouetted animals gather around a bush with flames emoting overhead. A massive one-eyed crab approaches with a lone rider appearing calm and determined.

Alabo often provides enough information to create theories, but not quite enough to draw firm conclusions. While not a skier, he found inspiration in watching skiers tackle the challenges posed by mountains to create the ARV artwork.

“Landscapes and environments are huge inspirations for me," he says. “I tapped into the feeling of adventure and bravery that I see in skiers tackling mountains. I wanted to capture the essence of exploring the unknown and the thrill of conquering natural terrain. By filtering these real-life elements through my surreal and fantastical aesthetic, I aimed to create graphics that evoke a sense of wonder and possibility.”

A collaboration between an Afrofuturist artist and a ski brand doesn’t just happen by accident. Armada’s Global Creative Director Mackel Vaughn was responsible for bringing Alabo into the fold.

“[Mackel] had seen my work and thought my style would fit well with their brand,” Alabo explains. “I was thrilled about the opportunity to design for skis. The elongated dimensions provided a unique canvas, allowing me to tell a story from top to bottom.”

The ARV artwork is psychedelic, yet approachable. The intrinsic details of each motif can start to feel random until the piece is viewed as a whole. Taking a step back provides a clearer picture and allows inferences to be made of Alabo’s intent.

Each pair of skis features a watchful eye near the tips. Humans and animals are often coated in a glaring coat of chrome. Colors move and blend through each design like a flowing river.

"The ARV collection explores themes of exploration, bravery, and respect for nature,” Alabo says. “Each piece features a motif of the watchful eye, symbolizing reflection and introspection. This collection invites viewers to embrace the spirit of a pioneer, pushing boundaries both literally and metaphorically. The different pieces depict unique worlds, each with its own characters and landscapes, contributing to a larger narrative universe.”

As an Afrofuturist, Alabo’s collaboration with Armada Skis is part of his artistic journey to pave the way for those in the future. “It’s a beautiful fusion of aesthetics and storytelling that highlights resilience and adventure,” he says.

It’s not common for an artist to make such a splash in their ski topsheet debut, but Alabo is anything but ordinary. Don’t be surprised when his work catches your eye on the ski wall at your local shop or in the lift line this season.

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