When Tigers Smoke Pipes Men's Flannel Hoodie

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.