The DMV is defined by its subcultures, and it’s crucial to preserve the memory of these communities and the value they hold. Photographer Owen Basher contributes to his scene by documenting the vibrant skateboarding culture in D.C. Using fish-eye lenses, Owen creates larger-than-life photos, showcasing skaters in iconic locations like Freedom Plaza, sliding down handrails, and balancing off ledges. One image gained significant exposure, featuring skater and tattoo artist Rashad Murray performing a Backside Tailslide in Baltimore.
Murray’s story and Basher’s work were submitted to Skate Jawn Magazine, earning them the esteemed cover of the 72nd issue in March 2023. Murray’s recognition helped raise awareness of his online campaign to raise funds for his critical brain surgery. “We started doing this out of passion,” Murray reflects. “It’s something I wanted, but the way it happened is even better than I could’ve ever imagined.” After a successful procedure, and with Skate Jawn featuring a DC skater on its cover for the first time in two decades, the DMV skate community gathered to commemorate this milestone at Basher’s “BUMPER” event held at Gifted Curators DC. The photography show will be open for three months starting on Saturday, May 13.
The i-71-compliant boutique, which is renowned for its rotating and captivating galleries, adorned its walls with framed matte prints of Owen’s work and displayed signed Skate Jawn Magazines featuring Murray’s life-changing photo. Each photo in the gallery embodied D.C.’s skateboarding identity, featuring familiar locations known to locals and skaters throughout the city. Owen emphasized the significance of D.C.’s identity and how it influences aspiring skaters in navigating the district as a skating city. “Because we’re in D.C., people often overlook skateboarding. We have the greatest skate park in the world at Freedom Plaza. You don’t have to go to New York to be a skilled skater, and that’s what we’re trying to showcase with my friend Nnamdi. We’re representing our scene,” explained Owen.
Nnamdi Ihekwoaba, a videographer immersed in the skate scene, played a crucial role in interviewing Murray for their cover story. Besides providing insightful questions, Nnamdi captures stunning footage using the classic Sony VX1000, giving his videos a nostalgic look popular to skateboarding culture. “I grew up watching standard definition videos. We appreciate the classic feel it brings to our skaters, complementing our past,” shared Nnamdi. His videos were featured at the event, showing skaters grinding and speeding through the city, with the aesthetic reminiscent of a home video.
When Rashad arrived at the gallery, he greeted his friends and partners, Owen and Nnamdi. As time passed, the event transformed into an intimate gathering of friends rather than an audience viewing the gallery. Everyone knew each other and came together to celebrate the recognition the three brought to their community. “No one represents you better than the people in your own city,” Murray expressed gratefully. “I’m so blessed to have Owen in my life. Nnamdi and the rest of my friends. The amount of work that these two put in. I don’t know anybody that’s as dedicated as them.”
