An unexpected creative journey has landed in Vilnius—artist Steve Marcus presents a bold and vibrant series of 38 skateboard deck compositions that serve as his canvases. These works collide cartoon icons, underground comics, pop art aesthetics, traditional Jewish symbols, and contemporary street culture into a visual explosion.
Each board reveals his deep passion for Judaism and his enduring tribute to rebellious youth. Bursting with color and energy, the pieces speak a raw, youthful, and visually striking language. This is art without censorship—straight from the heart, the streets, and life itself.
In his youth, Steve was immersed in the counterculture scene. Now, with a renewed creative spark, he reflects:
"Everything I lived for—punk rock, comics and graffiti, hip hop—has stayed close to my heart. I wanted to blend it all with Jewish iconography and a language anyone can understand. That’s why I chose skateboards. I realized that the only way to push back against globalization and sameness was to open up and share my true identity—through the style of street art."
According to Dr. Eddy Portnoy, curator at the YIVO Institute in New York, Marcus has created something extraordinary:
"With the help of his wild imagination, Marcus seamlessly merges seemingly unrelated worlds, revealing an alternate universe where underground skate culture meets traditional Jewish heritage."
The artist is also celebrating great news—his works are being added to the permanent collection of the YIVO Institute in New York.
But among the many eye-catching creations, several are dedicated specifically to Vilnius. In "Jewish Princess on a Zappa Skateboard," Marcus pays tribute to Lithuanian artists who dared to place a sculpture of Frank Zappa—a symbol of free speech and artistic freedom—right in the heart of the city. The board even references a 1979 track from Zappa’s Sheik Yerbouti album.
In another piece, the legendary "Džiugas" cheese giant is humorously reimagined as a rabbi, while yet another work reveals the Gothic beauty of Vilnius’ Church of St. Anne emerging from a ritual box (mezuzah).
Intrigued? Get ready to ride into spring with Steve Marcus’ skateboard art—this isn’t just an exhibition; it’s a fast-paced journey through Vilnius and New York vibes.
Exhibition: SK8 ART: Vilnius on a New York Beat
Opening: April 24
Location: Samuel Bak Museum, Naugarduko g. 10, Vilnius
On view until September 10
