THE ART OF AN ATHLETE ORIGINAL COLLECTION
In August of 2020, Maxwell decided to use his social media to speak out about a racial incident that he experienced on LIVE television. He was met with extreme backlash and racist messages from people all over the country. From this, he collaborated with the National Association of Black Journalists to hold a virtual seminar on racial micro-aggressions. Maxwell became a panelist on several media outlets with other professional athletes and scholars to speak about the importance of using our platforms to fight racial injustice, but was constantly met with the phrase “shut up and dribble”. As a result, Maxwell decided to use his passion for art as another way to express his activism and educate his viewers on the importance of respecting the human behind the jersey. That is how this collection was born.
“I See Me”
This is a dual-perspective piece that highlights the athletic similarities and the nuanced generational activism between Serena Williams and Althea Gibson. With Althea being the first Black woman to break the Tennis color barrier and win Wimbledon, Serena has often referred to her as one of her inspirations for invoking change for Black women in sports.
$10,000 (SOLD)
“Wilma”
Held together by sparkling staples, this 48” x 60” portrait was handcrafted entirely out of track-shoe laces. The items hanging from the bottom of the canvas are direct symbols of her story and impact as an athlete.
$12,000 (SOLD)
“Sports and Politics Don’t Mix”
This copper wire sculpture examines the generational activism and impact between Muhammad Ali and Colin Kaepernick. Ali has pushed racial boundaries by embracing black pride and becoming an extremely vocal civil rights advocate, while Kaepernick (winner of the 2017 Muhammad Ali Legacy Award) has equally done the same through the act of taking a kneel in protest. Both have served as an inspiration for other black athletes to challenge the establishment.
$10,000 (SOLD)
“Won’t Stick to Sports”
This completely handcrafted microphone highlights the impact and focus of Jemele Hill and Cari Champion. Although they are constantly told to stick to sports and stay away from political matters, Hill and Champion have created a social media ecosystem that values more than just covering sports.
$7,500
“The Legacy of Juke Joint”
Ernie Barnes is the living embodiment of how multi-layered athletes truly are. He defies the stigmas of athletes being one dimensional with no care or skill outside of their respective sport. For these reasons, this rendition of the “Sugar Shack” painting is made up of shoe laces. Shoe laces are essential regardless of the sport that the athlete plays. They are representative of the secure footing that is required in deciding to publicly address social issues that affect the lives outside of the sports world.
$12,000 (SOLD)
“Seize the Moment”
This piece is a pyramid of seven golden tennis racquets rewired by hand to show how Naomi Osaka in the 2020 US Open along with Tommie Smith and John Carlos in the 1968 Olympics used their victories as an opportunity to make a call to action and bring awareness to crucial issues. There is an amazing intersection in these two stories. These were arguably the most important victories for the three of these athletes, and they decided to use their grandest moment to send a message and invoke conversation about our nation’s most prominent issues.
$12,000
“More Than an Athlete”
LeBron James has become a leading voice against racial injustice and police brutality. Named after his brand ‘More than an Athlete’, this hand-engraved backboard highlights the massive body of activism that he has created throughout his career.
$15,000 (SOLD)
“Still Standing”
This piece uses the newest iconic piece of sportswear to highlight the strength and leadership of the WNBA. Despite all of the hardships and disadvantages that they historically deal with, they are the leaders of all athletes and leagues around the world in the fight against social injustice.
$7,500
“42”
This sculpture of Jackie Robinson was created out of bats, gloves, and baseballs. The stance and facial expression represents the way he approached civil rights issues and integrating the sport. He used the excellence in his game as a primary response to the racial vitriol he received. Robinson's stand was firm and nonnegotiable.
$15,000 (SOLD)
“6”
This sculpture of Bill Russell was created out of basketball nets. It captures the expression that symbolizes his legacy as an icon. Bill was a champion in all facets. Aside from winning 11 NBA championships, he was one of the most important champions of social justice.
$8,500 (SOLD)
“Sitting out to stand up”
This hand-built floor piece is about the four Women (Natasha Cloud, Maya Moore, Tiffany Hayes, and Renee Montgomery) who forfeited their 2020 WNBA seasons to focus on social advocacy. The jerseys on the ground followed by the golden footprints off of the court represent the noble actions of these four Women.
$7,500 (SOLD)