Genesis Reapus

Attributed to Rom av.JC

In the center of this large jar is a representation of the Ripper, a strong symbol for the skateboard community of the time. Illustrated for the first time on a board by Vernum Courtlès Jonus (Vernon Courtlandt Johnson nowadays), this skeleton was the emblem of the famous skateboarder Powelus Peraltus (Powell Peralta). According to a recent interpretation, all the characters around tell us the story of the creation of this graphic “Genesis Reapus”. At the top left, Vernum is shown looking at a scroll from another of these famous drawings: the skeleton with a sword. At Powelus’s request, he set out to create a strong new image.

The artist’s reflection is symbolized by the man at the bottom left. And it is by thinking about the essence of skateboarding, that Vernum Courtlès Jonus had his brilliant idea. He thought of the skateboarder’s ability to break the barriers and always exceed his limits (representation of the skateboarder who crosses an obstacle, in top on the right). The personification of this surpassing of oneself came in the form of a skeleton, emerging from a wall that he broke with his bare hands to continue his way.

Title: Genesis Reapus

Artist: Attributed to Rom av.JC

Period: Archaic

Date: ca. 522 B.C.

Culture: Greek, Attic

Medium: Skateboards; black-figure

Dimensions: H. 38 1/2 in. (98 cm)
length 32 in. (82 cm)

Classification: Vases