Short film 'Counterculture' explores relationship between art and surfing in Europe
- Text by HUCK HQ
At the beginning of the short film Counterculture German illustrator Andreas Klammt says that in areas where there is less surf, surfers feel the need to create things around the topic of surfing “just to keep in contact”.
It’s an interesting premise and one that is explored at length in this thoughtful documentary made by Hamburg-founded collective Cyan – a team of artists, designers, photographers and writers connected by surfing, of which Klammt is a member.
The filmmakers catch up with five creative surfers – photographer César Ancelle Hansen, shaper Angelo De Meulenaere, writer Elisa Routa, lifestyle brand Oh Dawn and fine artist Benjamin Jeanjean – and challenge them to interrogate the crossover in their passions.
One overarching feeling is that the ‘surf art’ boom of the ’90s and 2000s – where surfing’s relationship with creativity was exploited by the industry’s rapacious appetite for shit it could sell to hibiscus-eyed consumers – has pigeonholed and ghettoised the community into non-existence.
What’s emerged out of those board-graphic ashes is a new generation of non-brand crazy creatives that are much more nuanced about the connection between their art and their surfing. The impulses might be similar, they seem to say, but that doesn’t mean there has to be a palm tree at every turn. And if there is, it’s simply to evoke a feeling, and not sell a T-shirt.
Cyan hosted their first exhibition in Hamburg earlier this month. Check out their Facebook for more information.
You might like
Moshpits & kickflips at the Volcom Garden Experience 2026
Family affair — Last weekend, the skate, surf and snow culture brand hosted a free mini festival in its European backyard of Biarritz. We went along and chatted to legendary artist and surfer Ozzie Wright.
Written by: Isaac Muk
As the Cornwall & Devon coastline gentrifies, what’s left at UK surfing’s spiritual home?
Priced out – Once belonging to anyone willing to be cold and thrown around underwater, the sport is becoming increasingly inaccessible, as second homes and commodification reshape England’s southwestern shores.
Written by: Noah Petersons
Horst Festival is a blueprint for a creative, collective future
Hymn — Highlighted by an engrossing performance directed by Fallon Mayanja, the 2026 edition was a showcase of ASIAT Park’s ever-evolving space as an incubator for art, music and creativity.
Written by: Isaac Muk
How one of the world’s best big wave photographers & filmmakers gets the perfect shot
Staring down the barrel — Sachi Cunningham has built an immersive body of work documenting huge barrels by getting closer to the action than most. Josh Jones speaks to her about her process, finding order within chaos, and the importance of feeling awe.
Written by: Josh Jones
Jack Johnson’s third act
SURFILMUSIC — Three decades on from his trajectory-altering crash at Pipeline and subsequent music career, the singer-songwriter looks back at his life and work in a new, expansive film.
Written by: D’Arcy Doran
Venice Biennale will not award artists from Israel & Russia due to war crime accusations
Art Not Genocide — Both countries will still be allowed to exhibit work at their respective pavilions, but be excluded from judging considerations, as they have leaders facing arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court.
Written by: Noah Petersons
