Taku Obata's wooden sculptures celebrate b-boy subculture

Taku Obata is a Japanese artist who produces impressive life size sculptures that pay homage to the breakdancing subculture. Using traditional Japanese wood carving techniques, the Saitama-born sculptor creates b-boys clad in neon sweatsuits and exaggerated hats and glasses posing in various breakdancing stances. Taku has showcased his art all across Japan – including a solo exhibition at the Nakamura Keith Haring Museum in 2012 and the Jonathan Levine Gallery in 2014. He is probably right now in his lair, creating some new b-boys for yet another epic street dance battle.

[h/t: Very Nearly Almost]

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Nike Blazer Mid 77 Scribble

When I was in high school, doodling on kicks was a thing. How cool to come into class, learn a few things, then walk out with a pair of scribbled-on sneakers. Even today, many basketball stars are using their shoes for much more than performance. Take a close look at their trainers and you'll find messages written all over. Now Nike is celebrating the process with the release of its Blazer Mid 77 Scribble. Aside from the hand-drawn sidewall Swoosh, the shoe also has smaller notes hidden all over, including the style name and the year it was made. The tongue is also equipped with the brand's logo, which has been hand-drawn in black. I really like the design, especially the imperfect lines. And since we're talking about scribbled-on sneakers, I can't not mention Niko Pelaez . He's a true shoe-drawing machine! [h/t: Sneaker News ]

The Salimbaa

Here's a strange tribal instrument I never heard of before now. Originally from the Tinananon tribe of southern Philippines, the bowl-shaped Salimbaa is made of metal and wood, has 30 bronze wound strings, and is played using two small sticks. Caleb Byerly, who makes lost/extinct musical tools in his North Carolina workshop, has an interesting story on how he made his first Salimbaa. WATCH: More details about Caleb and his craft over at Our State .

Stripper Shirt

Love this Gitman Bros. short sleeve shirt , especially the stripe/pole pattern with blue female dancers. [h/t: TWBE ]

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