Derrick Adams x Vilebrequin

Derrick Adams’ work has been known to invoke the way ones’ persona and indentity melds to an individuals’ ideals and aspirations to then become attached to specific objects, colors, textures, symbols, and ideologies. Presenting and expressing his work through various forms such as sculpture, paintings, collages, performance (and more) the Baltimore-born, Brooklyn based artists’ work probes the influence of popular culture on the formation of self-image, and the relationship between man and monument as they coexist and embody one another. Deeply immersed in questions of how African American experiences intersect with art history, American iconography, and consumerism, his Floater series portrays Black Americans at leisure, positing that respite itself is a political act when embraced by black communities. The radicality of this position has materialized in Adams’ work across his Deconstruction Worker, Figure in the Urban Landscape, and Beauty World series.

"After designing a unicorn pool float last year, I wanted to pair it with swim trunks featuring my paintings.but set the notion aside. A few months later I received a remarkably serendipitous email from the most venerable of swimwear brands wishing to collaborate, and the rest, as they say, is history. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do"

— Derrick Adams

Adams has teamed up with luxury swimwear brand Vilebrequin for their latest collaboration. A one-of-a-kind, limited-edition print is inspired by Adams' notable Floater series, which depicts african american men, women and children lounging on whimsical swan, duck, and rainbow-maned unicorn floaties. This artwork radiates joy in a world of ultimate leisure - a fresh depiction of American iconography. Vivid turquoise anchors the print while spectacular pops of citron, magenta, and lime are layered throughout.

SWIM TRUNKS — $295 available at Vilebrequin.com and in select boutiques

To celebrate the launch of this collaboration, Vilebrequin will be donating $20,000 to the Eubie Blake Cultural Arts Center in Derrick Adams' hometown of Baltimore, MD. The Eubie Blake Cultural Center brings artists and audiences from diverse backgrounds together to support, develop, promote and advocate for cultural and educational programming in the arts.