“Basketball is a universal language, much like art is. There are other sports that are likely more popular, but none are as influential as basketball from a cultural standpoint,” says artist and filmmaker John Dennis. “It transcends barriers in music, fashion, art, and pop culture, and also draws attention to pressing issues in the social and political arena.”
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Growing up in the suburbs of New York City, Dennis saw an artificial division drawn between athlete and artist, one that failed to reflect the common ground they shared: a dedicated commitment to practice across all disciplines. Whether shooting in the gym, painting in the studio, or printing in the darkroom, athletes and artists must show up every day to transform their talents, skills, and passion into a successful career and lasting legacy.
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As an avid basketball player, Dennis sought new ways to connect with the game and explore the intersections between sport and art. He teamed up with artist Carlos Rolón and Project Backboard founder Dan Peterson to create the new book Common Practice: Basketball & Contemporary Art (Skira). Featuring the work of 250 artists including Richard Avedon, Salvador Dalí, Keith Haring, Barkley Hendricks, JR, KAWS, Alex Prager, Lorna Simpson, Andy Warhol and Ai Weiwei, the book presents an inclusive look at the iconography of basketball through a modern lens.
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