Ed Templeton's 'The Sprawl' Captures the Charm of American Suburbia

The legendary skateboarder and artist brings his signature West Coast flair to Antwerp.

by · Hypebeast
Courtesy Of The Artist And Time Van Laere Gallery.
Courtesy Of The Artist And Time Van Laere Gallery.
Courtesy Of The Artist And Time Van Laere Gallery.
Courtesy Of The Artist And Time Van Laere Gallery.
Courtesy Of The Artist And Time Van Laere Gallery.

Skateboarder and contemporary artist Ed Templeton makes his return to Tim Van Laere with The Sprawl, his first solo exhibition at the gallery in over a decade. In a suite of photographs, paintings, drawings and sculptures, Templeton wides an affectionate eye toward everyday beauty.

Born in Huntington Beach, California, Templeton takes thematic inspiration from his punk rock-infused upbringing, reflecting the raw, vulnerable moments that have come to define his life. A pioneering figure in the 90s street scene, his artistic practice developed naturally and helped situate skateboarding within a broader creative discourse, building new bridges between sport, art and culture while tackling social ideas that go overlooked within the subculture.

Embracing the pretty and the ugly in equal measure, the artist creates life out of suburban boredom. Through vibrant compositions, intimate portraits and snapshots of local life, Templeton returns to his roots, stating, “Everything I’ve ever shot has just been on the path that I’ve been on.”

The Sprawl will be on view in Antwerp from November 28, 2024 through January 25, 2025.

Tim Van Laere Gallery
Jos Smolderenstraat 50,
2000 Antwerp