When Tigers Smoke Pipes Men's Crew Neck T-shirt
Add a bold and playful twist to your wardrobe with the When Tigers Smoke Pipes Men's Crew Neck T-shirt. Featuring a unique and eye-catching design, this t-shirt effortlessly blends creativity with comfort. The classic crew neck provides a relaxed fit, perfect for casual outings or laid-back days at home. Pair it with jeans, shorts, or your favorite layers for a standout look. Designed for those who love to express their individuality, the When Tigers Smoke Pipes Men's T-shirt is a must-have for anyone looking to make a memorable statement.
48" x 48", Acrylic on Canvas, 2018
The When Tigers Smoked Pipes painting by OBEYEBO is a surreal, vibrant reimagining of the
Korean folklore phrase, blending ancient symbolism with modern pop-art flair. At its heart, a pipe-smoking
tiger—evoking a mythical era of freedom—oversees a chaotic ensemble: a Superman-clad baby, a fish-headed
sage with an eyepatch, a robot with a striped tail, a green spirit, a blue bird, and a grinning skull, all
set against a swirling blue-and-red sky. Playful details like a singing apple and exaggerated, cartoonish
features create a dreamlike scene where the boundaries of reality dissolve, capturing the whimsical essence
of a time when the impossible thrived. In the enchanted forest of Yeowool, the Tiger King summoned his diverse court each evening, his pipe smoke
weaving their stories into the moonlight. The Fish Sage shared ocean wisdom, the Sky Child tossed a singing
apple, the Iron Wanderer spoke of machine dreams, and the Whispering Jay spread gossip, while the Green
Spirit and Smiling Skull added their magic and laughter. When a storm threatened to erase Yeowool, the court
united—the Sky Child soaring, the Fish Sage summoning winds, the Iron Wanderer shielding, and the others
lending their strengths—saving their realm and proving the enduring magic of their pipe-smoking days. The When Tigers Smoked Pipes collection by OBEYEBO channels this narrative into wearable art,
merging Korean folklore with contemporary streetwear. Each piece draws from the painting's bold
colors—blues, reds, oranges—and surreal characters, embodying the unity and wonder of Yeowool. Designs
highlight the Tiger King's mischievous grin, the Sky Child's heroic pose, and the Fish Sage's scaled wisdom,
inviting wearers to carry the spirit of this fantastical court into the modern world through vibrant,
story-driven fashion.
