Dave Schubert, American street photographer, Died at 49

David T. Schubert: A Visionary in Graffiti and Photography

David T. Schubert, a revered American graffiti artist and professional photographer, made an indelible mark on the art and skateboarding communities with his captivating visuals. Born on September 9, 1973, Schubert's remarkable career left a lasting impact, influencing enthusiasts and creators alike.

Early Years and Infatuation with Photography

Schubert's journey into the realm of photography commenced at a tender age. At the age of six, a gift of a camera from his father sparked a lifelong fascination with capturing moments through the lens.

The early years of Schubert's life were marked by constant relocations due to his father's service in the Air Force. These experiences molded his diverse perspective and played a pivotal role in his later artistic inspirations.

Exploration of Graffiti and Skateboarding

In his teenage years, Schubert's path took an artistic turn when he discovered the vibrant world of graffiti after being captivated by the iconic film, "The Warriors." This cinematic encounter ignited a passion for street art, propelling him to delve into the lively graffiti scene in New York City. These visits led him to document the thriving NYC skateboarding scene, especially at the renowned Brooklyn Banks skate spot.

As a teenager and in his early twenties, Schubert established himself as a skilled skate videographer. He dedicated his time to capturing the electrifying moments of skateboarding primarily on the East Coast of the United States, notably in Washington, D.C. His footage became an integral part of numerous skateboarding videos during the early '90s.

Venturing into Photography

In 1995, Schubert embarked on a new chapter in San Francisco, where he earned a scholarship to study photography at the San Francisco Art Institute (SFAI). This move to California marked the beginning of a prolific phase in his career.

Schubert focused his lens on the dynamic graffiti and skateboarding communities in San Francisco, vividly portraying the essence of the city's skateboarding and graffiti scenes during the 1990s and early 2000s. His work became synonymous with the vibrant street and underground culture.

Artistic Endeavors

Beyond photography, Schubert made significant contributions to the artistic sphere. He founded and published the highly esteemed graffiti zine, "Graffiti Document." Additionally, he paid homage to his close friend Dash Snow in 2009 by creating a fanzine featuring captivating photographs of Snow.

His unique photographs were featured in prominent skateboarding magazines like Thrasher and Slap, as well as other notable publications, including Mass Appeal, Anthem, Arktip, Purple Magazine, Plaza, and ANP Quarterly.

Art Exhibitions and a Lasting Legacy

Schubert's artistic prowess was showcased both locally and nationally. In San Francisco, his art adorned various spaces like the Luggage Store, the Shooting Gallery, Electric Works, and the Geary Gallery. His work also graced renowned venues across the United States, including FUSE and Mudd Guts in NYC, Kavi Gupta in Chicago, and New Image Art in LA. Internationally, his art reached an audience through a group art show in Copenhagen, Denmark, at V1 Gallery, in collaboration with ARKITIP.

In 2022, Schubert participated in the "Power of Pablo" charity art show organized by the Pablo Ramirez Foundation. His contribution, a captivating photograph, was displayed alongside works by other acclaimed artists, including Mark Gonzales, Sean Greene, Haroshi, and more.

Honoring a Creative Force

Tragically, David T. Schubert's life was cut short, and he passed away on January 1, 2023, at the age of 49. Despite his untimely departure, his artistic legacy and contributions to graffiti, skateboarding, and photography continue to inspire and resonate with enthusiasts worldwide.