Hurley has teamed up with Julio ‘YAIA’ Battistelli to create a capsule collection called the Team Pro Series.
YAIA, based in Argentina, has designed graphics for Hurley team riders John John Florence, Julian Wilson, Filipe Toledo, Kolohe Andino, Michel Bourez and Ace Buchan giving each athlete their very own graphics to rep, just like the skate gods of the 80’s. Drawing inspiration from skate culture, punk rock, metal and underground comics, YAIA has fused the worlds of surf and art to create a powerful representation of each Pro Surfer’s Identity.
YAIA says of the collaboration, “I have been working with Hurley for a long time and when we started talking about the series I knew right away how I wanted to represent their team. From the early sketched to the final art, I was driven to build something that while new and unique, paid homage to classic California surf and skate vibes, an era that captured the mind of my generation.”
Referencing the pro riders surfing style, the series combines hard edged graphics with impressive line work and detailing resulting in beautiful imagery. Not only has YAIA provided the athletes with a piece of art, but also it represents his small gift to the sport that has the power to inspire and transform people’s lives.
The artist has referenced the Buddhist philosophy by incorporating elements of water, fire and land, alongside skulls, spiders, American eagles, scorpions and roses in a vibrant colour palette.
“We love supporting the team across the board. Linking them up with Julio (YAIA) on the Team Pro Series has been a great way to express their surf styles through colour and design. We have had a lot of fun bringing the art to life in our print shop, making prints, custom suits, patches and t-shirts. Seeing all their identities come to life as a larger body, how they fit together is unbelievable. The most rewarding part has been the stoke on their faces when they get one of their boards painted, a custom shirt or a wetsuit with their own graphic on it. The connection they have with the art is a testament to YAIA and his gift as an artist” says John Paul Olson, Hurley International.
The Hurley X YAIA Team Pro Series will be available in selected retail stores around the country including Kirra Surf, Beach Without Sand, Strapper Surf, Surf City, Beaches, JR’s Marion and Sessions and Hurley.com.
