Cómas
Bowl (Newport)
Cibachrome
on aluminum
18" x 24", 1999.
Grindbox (Riverside)
Cibachrome on aluminum
27"× 40", 1998.
Funbox (Riverside)
Cibachrome
15" x 24", 1998.
Quarterpipe (Riverside)
Cibachrome on aluminum
18" x 24", 1998.
Jocko frontside rocks in
Justin's New Orleans studio.
Photo: Justin Forbes.
Jocko Weyland
Radical Structures
by Aaron Rose
Bank Ramp (Berlin)
Cibachrome
15" x 24", 1999.
Jocko goes to disaster
in Yaounde, Camaroon.
Photo: Thomas Hauser.
By this time in the history of the planet, it should be no mystery that skate-
boarders possess creative talents. It is a given fact that in the last decade,
skaters have managed to propel themselves to the top of the worlds of
film, media, art, and design... but what about architecture? Industrial
design? If you ask New York photographer Jocko Weyland, he would
probably have to say that the same holds true. His recent series of works
titled Radical Contours are testament to the fact that in the realm of the
three dimensions, skateboarders have created
some of the most interesting, utilitarian, and, in
fact, beautiful pieces of architectural design of
the twentieth century. Almost clinical in his
approach, Weyland's photographs of skate ramps
appear desolate, barren, and devoid of life. By removing the skater, he
forces you to examine the structure for what it is. The curves, angles, tran-
sitions, materials, and signs of use and abuse take on supreme importance.
Every piece of wood, nail, scratch, or stain and their relationship to each
other become a part of the overall design. Weyland, who has been skat-
ing since 1979 and who had a backyard ramp as a kid in Colorado, asserts
that his interest in "ramp as functional structure" stems from his longtime
interest in modernist architecture and the conflict between form and
function. Perhaps now, he seems to be looking back to his roots to draw
parallels. Whatever the case may be, the photographs are incredible
statements, not only as works of art in themselves, but as physical proof
of the brilliance and ingenuity that can be manifested from two-by-fours,
Masonite, and an unflinching desire to skate.
Drop-In (Newport)
Cibachrome on aluminum
14" x 20", 1999.
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