Here's a fantastic collection of basketball art by superstar Asian artists around the globe celebrating the league's elite players & teams, just in time for the NBA playoffs.
HAIKU: Basketball
The shot, my prayer
The rim, altar. The court, church
My faith, Basketball
It's no secret the majority of the NBA's fanbase resides in Asia. As the league's popularity swells, the demand for basketball art rises in terms of promotional art for online & print ads for games, local leagues, shoes & other merchandise & from fans who want more than just an enlarged game photo on their wall. Many of the artists here make a living from their basketball art & sports illustration. It's nice to see there's a market to support their creative passion.
Who will take the title this year? Now that the Warriors & Cavaliers have each won a championship, it would be great to see them face off again to continue the story of their rivalry.
When basketball is more than a game. It was courageous performance from Isaiah Thomas in round 1 game 1, who played shortly after his sister died unexpectedly in a car accident. If there was any doubt about his will, desire & toughness before, he proved, unequivocally that he is a true baller in that game.
Harden or Westbrook, who is your MVP?
This year's Playoffs is shaping up to be one of the most dramatic ever. Starting off with Isaiah Thomas' sister's tragic accident. Then Rondo breaks his thumb just after showing revitalizing effort. Blake Griffin is out, again. Durant is off & on with his shaky legs & now Steve Kerr is out indefinitely with medical complications from a past surgery. Injuries play a part in every playoff run, but the circumstances & importance of the individuals involved in this year's games is bringing more emotion & impact to each series & this is only the first round!
Best of the NBA Playoffs 1st Round
China, Taiwan, Korea & the Philippines are the countries where basketball's popularity is highest. It may seem ironic that genetically, the shortest race seems to favor the sport where height is a significant advantage. However, basketball is also about finding another way to the rim because you can't punch, kick or run through your opponent. This spirit encourages Asian ballers to overcome any disadvantage via practice, study & discipline. This is why tenacious & crafty undersized players like Allen Iverson, Steph Curry & Jeremy Lin are idolized in Asia.
Edo Ball is a series of 10 original artworks inspired by Basketball, Culture, Japan & Ukiyo-e art.
Michael Matsumoto (US) - 1 pic
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Vince Low (Malaysia) - 3 pics
Collection by VC aka Vince Chang - 5 pics
Felix Ip 葉偉青 (Hong Kong) - 4 pics
Michael Wong aka MW.416 - 3 pics
● Check Out My Pinterest: Basketball Art Pinboard
● See More Basketball Art @ YM Blog
