Ksubi Amplifies Emerging Talent With New ‘Blank Canvas’ Initiative Featuring Artist Wasabi

Global streetwear giant Ksubi is making waves in the art world with the introduction of its new initiative, the ‘Blank Canvas’ artist program. The inaugural chapter of this exciting series sees a collaboration with Buffalo’s own artistic sensation, Wasabi.

This groundbreaking initiative is aimed at shining a spotlight on budding artists from various genres, offering them a literal and figurative blank canvas to narrate their artistic journey.

Ksubi’s deep-rooted affiliation with artistic expression can be traced back to its inception in Sydney, Australia. What began as a collective of innovative artists has transformed into a streetwear phenomenon, celebrated for its unique denim designs.

Over the years, Ksubi has collaborated with renowned artists like Slawn, Hidji, and Slumpy Kev. The ‘Blank Canvas’ program is the brand’s latest endeavor to present the world with the freshest creative minds.

Credit: Ksubi

Expressing his enthusiasm for the new program, Craig King, CEO of Ksubi, said,

“Ksubi has a long history of engaging with emerging artists. ‘Blank Canvas’ is the next step in this evolution, a more formal approach giving the artist the platform to highlight their unique talents whilst getting their designs into the market.”

Emerging from Buffalo, NY, Ahmad Johnson Jr. – popularly known as WASABI – is a true artist par excellence. His artworks are a testament to his genius, a harmonious blend of nostalgia and innovation. Wasabi is not just an artist but also a storyteller, bringing to life pop iconography from varied realms, from mesmerizing paintings to fashion-forward wearable art.

Reflecting on the collaboration, Wasabi said,

“To partner with a brand like Ksubi is a big deal. The fact that I am the first ‘Blank Canvas’ artist is even bigger. I am thrilled for the fashion and art community to experience my work with Ksubi.”

The choice of Buffalo-native artist Wasabi to launch this initiative is no surprise. Since unveiling his ‘Wasabi World’ collection in 2017, Wasabi has captivated the art community with his unparalleled take on 70s punk culture.

With a distinctive style that resonates with Ksubi’s advocacy for the ‘creative outsider,’ Wasabi is the perfect protagonist for the debut of the ‘Blank Canvas’ series.

The limited-edition ‘Ksubi Blank Canvas Presents: Wasabi’ collection boasts two t-shirts and a hoodie from Ksubi’s signature 4×4 range. Each piece, infused with Wasabi’s iconic punk-infused pop artistry, has been curated exclusively for the ‘Blank Canvas’ series.

This limited collection hit the shelves on October 19, 2023, at Ksubi outlets in prime locations like New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, and London, and will also be sold online at ksubi.com. Exclusive one-off pieces will also grace the Ksubi New York store.

A Glimpse into KSUBI’s Legacy

Founded in 1999, Ksubi quickly skyrocketed to become one of Australia’s most sought-after fashion brands, renowned for its rebellious DIY spirit and its emblematic distressed denim.

Their unparalleled designs soon attracted the eyes of influential figures in the music and fashion spheres.

Today, Ksubi stands tall as a global streetwear symbol, stocked in prestigious retailers like Saks 5th Avenue and Kith. Its stores in places like New York and Los Angeles often witness fans queuing up, with recent store inaugurations in Miami, Chicago, and London.