Standard Press, the publishing imprint of The Standard Hotels, presents its second book release, Nailed, by Chicago-based artist Dzine. Following their first release, What Me Worry, a collection of work by New York artist Andrew Kuo, Standard Press highlights another beautifully observant artist known for his embrace of customization and subcultures. 

Nailed recounts the history of nail adornment and documents contemporary nail art around the world, including the artist’s own creations. The 192-page hardcover book, features an introduction by Kim Hastreiter, co-founder and editor of Paper Magazine, and includes contributions from Luis Gispert, Yonehara Yasuma, Jamel Shabazz, Mickalene Thomas and Fab Five Freddy. Commissioned photographers from around the world captured nail artists, clientele, and salon owners in their respective cities, culminating with images by Kai Regan of Dzine’s wearable sculptural nails.

Dzine’s work explores the subculture of customization and its relationship to art, music, fashion and popular culture,  which the artist references as “Kustom Kulture.” Known for his colorful, jewel-encrusted paintings and for his artfully tricked out vehicles, Dzine’s work mines the sensibilities and trends of the street and translates them into a highly personal, meticulously crafted art form.  In Nailed, the artist delves into the more intimate realm of body decoration, celebrating the once underground, and now burgeoning nail art movement.  First known to be used in Ming Dynasty China to designate social status, and later in ancient Egypt, Babylon and Rome as battle adornment, nail art functions today as much as a vehicle for personal and cultural expression, as a mainstream fashion accessory.

$45.00

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