Obsession
October 1—9, 2026
Grotto
Artfully documenting skateboard graphics from the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s, Obsession traces Kevin Lowry and friends' lifelong fascination with skateboarding and graphic design.
What began as a childhood interest has grown into a collection of more than 250 rare skateboards, including complete sets from iconic brands such as Alien Workshop, Habitat, Girl, and Chocolate.
Driven by nostalgia and a desire to preserve the memories and visual culture of skateboarding, Lowry has spent years tracking down individual boards and complete sets from collectors around the world. Obsession celebrates both the dedication of collecting and the enduring cultural impact of skateboard graphics.
The collection features work by influential skateboard artists including Evan Hecox, Don Pendleton, and Joe Castrucci, who transformed the skateboard deck into a canvas for distinctive visual languages and artistic expression.
The first iteration of Obsession was presented to mark the third anniversary of Ninetimes in Edmonton. This exhibition, presented in partnership with Contemporary Calgary, builds on that collection with several new additions.
Curated by Kevin Lowry.
Produced and circulated by Ninetimes.
About the Guest Curator
Kevin Lowry
(he/him)
Kevin Lowry is a Calgarian shopkeeper, Skateboarding Marketing Manager at adidas Canada, professional skateboarder, and avid skateboard deck collector. His curatorial practice began with the first iteration of Obsession at Ninetimes at their Edmonton location, building on his longstanding passion for collecting and preserving skateboarding memorabilia.
Focusing on objects and imagery connected to his childhood, Lowry’s practice is rooted in personal collections and collaborations with fellow collectors. His involvement in Calgary’s skateboarding community also extends beyond collecting, including the creation of skateable objects embedded within the Alberta landscape.
Ninetimes has been an important springboard for Lowry, helping facilitate and celebrate Calgary’s skateboarding community and its connections to a broader network of artists, skaters, collectors, and cultural makers.
