Swallowed Tears

The Swallowed Tears clothing collection by OBEYEBO is an evocative exploration of emotion, abstraction, and the raw power of artistic expression, inspired by a striking painting created by Philip Slagter in the 1980s. This large-scale work, measuring 144” x 96”, was painted in Los Angeles and represents a significant departure from traditional representation. In Swallowed Tears, Slagter removed the relationship between objects and their accepted collective meanings, focusing instead on the formal aspects of art—color, shape, and composition—as they relate to one another in a purely abstract context.

Swallowed Tears is a visceral and dynamic painting that challenges the viewer to confront their emotional responses. The canvas is divided into two contrasting sections: one dominated by deep reds and blacks, and the other by vibrant yellows and blacks. Across these sections, bold, sweeping strokes of white and other colors are splattered and dripped, creating a sense of raw energy and uncontrolled emotion. The overlapping forms suggest movement and conflict, as if different forces are colliding and merging, yet never fully resolving.

The painting's title, Swallowed Tears, hints at the internalization of pain and sorrow—emotions that are not outwardly expressed but instead absorbed and hidden within. The chaotic and abstract forms on the canvas reflect this tumultuous inner world, where feelings of anguish and despair are consumed and suppressed, leaving behind traces of their existence in the form of fragmented lines and disjointed shapes.

Slagter's approach in this piece is one of deconstruction. By stripping away the conventional relationships between objects, he invites the viewer to experience the painting on a purely sensory level, engaging with the raw elements of art—color, form, and texture—as carriers of emotion.

When you wear the Swallowed Tears collection by OBEYEBO, you are embracing the complexity of human emotion—both the visible and the hidden. This collection allows you to carry with you a piece of the abstract, powerful energy that Slagter captured on canvas, turning your everyday wardrobe into a reflection of deeper, often unspoken feelings.

The Swallowed Tears collection is perfect for those who are unafraid to explore the darker, more complex sides of their personality, and who seek to express this through their fashion choices. Whether you're stepping into a bold social setting or simply want to make a statement in your daily life, this collection ensures that your clothing is more than just fabric—it's a canvas of emotion, art, and individuality.