"Flags Are Bullshit"

Or so says skate legend Steve Olson when talking about his art show at Sleeping Giant Gallery this past Friday.

Jillian and I arrived on the scene bombarded by loud music, a handful of skaters and a wall of pleather and faux fur American and Canadian Flags. Intrigued by these S & M ish national symbols we were eager to get the deets from the artist himself.

In his west-coast-half-baked kinda way Steve agreed to chat and snap a few photos. In between drags of his smoke he let me in on the meaning behind his flag pieces. At first glance one may only see gold pleather and leopard print faux fur before noticing the political implications of these works. According to Olson flags have been used to 'rip us off' and 'brainwash us' through ideologies and nationalism. In a sense you could say he's 'making fun' of the political machine and revealing it as nothing more then a guise. (Or a burlesque show).


Aside from talking about art he was stoked to be in Toronto as it was his first time chillin' in Hog Town. To show his appreciation he made a series of Canadian flags. I wonder what Harper would think? Either way I could tell this seasoned vet was prepared to show Toronto a good time. No doubt his weekend was going to be one filled with cigarettes, whiskey, and maybe a couple of babes!

Steve Olson's first Canadian exhibit is on until September 17th at Sleeping Giant Gallery. Check it out and let us know what you think.

Image Credit: Jillian B.