Damaged DNA
The Damaged DNA clothing collection by OBEYEBOis a surreal and provocative exploration of identity, mutation, and the chaotic forces that shape who we are. Inspired by a large-scale painting created by Philip Slagter in 2014, this collection captures the wild energy and visual intensity of a world where genetic threads unravel and merge into something entirely unexpected. The painting, measuring 72” x 60” and rendered in acrylic on canvas, was created in Slagter's Montana studio and stands as a vivid commentary on the complexity and unpredictability of human nature.
Damaged DNA is a frenetic, almost overwhelming composition filled with a multitude of characters, shapes, and symbols, each vying for attention within the chaotic scene. The painting features a blend of cartoonish figures, a snarling tiger, and a variety of surreal elements, all intertwined in a swirling mass of vibrant colors and exaggerated forms. The visual impact is both captivating and unsettling, as if the viewer is witnessing the disintegration and reformation of reality itself.
The central figure—a fierce tiger surrounded by a whirlwind of bizarre characters—seems to represent the raw, primal force of nature, while the surrounding figures, with their twisted, almost grotesque forms, suggest the distortion and manipulation of this natural energy. The cartoon-like characters, reminiscent of pop culture icons yet twisted into something darker, add a layer of satire and commentary on how society's ideals and identities can be warped over time.
The painting's title, Damaged DNA, hints at the underlying theme of genetic mutation and the idea that our very essence—our DNA—can be altered, leading to unpredictable and often disturbing outcomes. The imagery evokes a sense of conflict between nature and nurture, chaos and order, innocence and corruption.
When you wear the Damaged DNA collection by OBEYEBO, you're not just wearing clothing—you're embracing the chaotic and unpredictable forces that shape who we are. This collection allows you to carry with you the wild energy and surreal imagery of Slagter's painting, turning your wardrobe into a canvas of mutation, transformation, and identity.
The Damaged DNA collection is perfect for those who see fashion as an expression of their inner complexity and who aren't afraid to embrace the unexpected. Whether you're drawn to the bold, surreal designs or the deeper themes of identity and mutation, this collection ensures that your clothing is more than just fabric—it's a celebration of the chaotic beauty that lies within all of us.