As the de Young museum in San Francisco prepares for the opening of Ed Hardy: Deeper than Skin with a special free public opening on July 11th, Juxtapoz is looking back at the influences and stories that makes Ed Hardy such a pivotal figure in Bay Area tattoo and art culture, but also his immense influence in contemporary art. This summer, we will be presenting stories and observations from tattoo and contemporary artists on Ed Hardy, as well as stories from our archives that share the sentiment of Hardy's creative reach.
Today, we talk to Paul Mullowney of MullowneyPrinting, San Francisco, who has printed and worked with Mr. Hardy for years.
“Hardy was true game changer and risk taker. The incredible thing to remember is that when he finished his BFA in printmaking at San Francisco Art Institute, at the end of the ‘60s, he was given a full scholarship to pursue grad studies at Yale. He passed it up. Tattooing in America was never going to be the same because that decision. His Mentor/professor, Gordon Cooke was pissed off at him for a while. We all owe Ed a great deal of debt and gratitude for that decision he made. And Yale may have been the poorer for it. He remains a consummate artist to this day.”
Experience Ed Hardy: Deeper than Skin at the de Young museum, July 13–October 6. Got ink? Your tattoo gets you discounted tickets, for a limited time only. Learn more at deyoungmuseum.org.
