Drowning

The Drowning clothing collection by OBEYEBO is a vivid and chaotic exploration of the overwhelming flood of information, paranoia, and conspiracies that have become part of our cultural landscape. Inspired by a monumental painting created by Philip Slagter in 2012, this collection captures the frenetic energy and visual overload that characterizes the modern experience of being inundated with conflicting narratives and sensational theories. The painting, a massive 120” x 60” acrylic on canvas, was created in Slagter's Montana studio and serves as a visual compendium of the conspiracy theories that dominated public discourse during that time.

Drowning is a complex, densely populated composition that feels both suffocating and entrancing. The painting is filled with a myriad of characters, symbols, and surreal imagery, each element contributing to a narrative of chaos and confusion. The central figures—a skeletal, exaggeratedly grinning character and a serene, blue-skinned woman—are surrounded by a swirl of disjointed and bizarre elements: gas-masked soldiers, mutated animals, dismembered figures, and a cascade of colorful, tangled threads.

The chaotic nature of the painting reflects the overwhelming nature of conspiracy theories—how they can entangle reality, distort perceptions, and create a sense of drowning in a sea of misinformation. The use of vibrant colors, sharp contrasts, and detailed, almost grotesque figures heightens the sense of panic and disarray. The skeletal figure, with its manic grin and outstretched limbs, seems to embody the idea of being overwhelmed, while the blue woman, tranquil yet surrounded by chaos, represents a calm center amidst the storm—a possible commentary on the need to find peace in a world filled with confusion.

The title, Drowning, encapsulates the sensation of being submerged in a flood of ideas, unable to surface for clarity. The painting's intricate details and interwoven elements serve as a metaphor for how these theories can consume and entangle the mind, leaving one feeling lost and suffocated by the sheer volume of conflicting information.

When you wear the Drowning collection by OBEYEBO, you're not just wearing clothing—you're embracing the chaotic and overwhelming nature of modern information overload. This collection allows you to carry with you the intense energy and intricate narrative of Slagter's painting, turning your wardrobe into a reflection of the complex, often confusing world we live in.

The Drowning collection is perfect for those who see fashion as an expression of their engagement with the world's complexities and who aren't afraid to confront the overwhelming forces that shape our perceptions. Whether you're drawn to the bold, intricate designs or the deeper themes of confusion and clarity, this collection ensures that your clothing is more than just fabric—it's a canvas of modern life, filled with all its tangled, colorful threads.