O’Neill Presents: 60 years of innovation

In 1952, a bearded, eyepatch-wearing man made a wetsuit. His name was Jack O’Neill. Sixty years later and his company is still slinging the most teched-out rubber. So, how best to celebrate such an icon? How about a global, Monster Children-curated innovation and art tour? One that would, through the commission of six artists, showcase six decades of industry firsts? The art of Santa Cruz’s Thomas Campbell and Jim Phillips Jr., LA’s Geoff McFetridge, Auckland’s Liam Gerrard, Detroit’s Mark Penxa and Wellington’s Tim Chapman will make its way around the world, culminating in a final showing at the Santa Cruz Coldwater Classic ASP WT event. Says O’Neill: “At every location on this global tour, local artists will be encouraged to submit their own artworks representing Jack O’Neill, with a selection of six of these submitted included at the exhibition in the respective territories. All six pieces will be auctioned off at the final stop with 100% of the proceeds shared across the six listed charities.” The gritty: The tour kicks off in Sydney on thursday 15 March and runs til sunday 18 March. Old Paramount Building – 80 Commonwealth street, Surry Hills. Jump over here to follow the tour.