L.J. Rader, the creative mind behind the popular Instagram account “Art But Make It Sports,” has unveiled his latest project: a book entitled “Art But Make It Sports: Epic Matchups Where Art and Sports Collide,” which is set to be released on 17 March by Chronicle Books. This innovative book showcases the intersection of art and athletics, combining iconic sports moments with classic artwork in a fresh, engaging manner.
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Rader originally launched his Instagram account to provide a playful commentary on sports, juxtaposed with thought-provoking pieces of art. His unique approach has captivated a diverse audience, leading to the expansion of his project into printed form. The author shared insights into the evolution of his conception in an excerpt provided to PEOPLE, highlighting how the format of the account has transformed over the past few years.
In the early stages of “Art But Make It Sports,” Rader focused on posting images of classic artwork paired with humorous sports-related captions. His process was quite straightforward – visiting museums, snapping photos of pieces that piqued his interest, and then crafting witty text to accompany them. This simple method aligned with his minimalist aesthetic and allowed him to concentrate on highlighting the humorous aspects of both art and sport.
However, Rader soon realised that rather than merely describing how a painting might resemble a specific player or team, he could create side-by-side comparisons of the two. This realisation marked a turning point for the account as the visual pairings began to dominate the feed. As engagement increased, Rader honed his creative process, gathering an impressive collection of images from his travels.
Alongside cultivating his passion for sports art, Rader has also relied heavily on his growing community. As the account gained traction, many followers began tagging him in relevant sports images, enhancing the content of the page and inspiring him further. His first-ever side-by-side comparison post dates back to 9 March 2020, during a time when the LA Rams logo was leaked, showcasing Rader’s unique ability to blend art with the zeitgeist of athletic culture.
With the forthcoming book, Rader aims to present a curated blend of fresh material alongside fan-favourite content from his social media archives. The format of social media often limits depth and reflection, but in book form, he hopes to provide readers with a richer context and invite them to view these connections from a fresh perspective.
Among the book’s featured comparisons, one notable image pairs Elizabeth Jane Gardner’s “David the Shepherd” with a depiction of Jackie Robinson sliding into home plate, capturing the urgency and grace of both the athlete and the artwork. Rader’s mix of humour and analysis continues with other side-by-sides, including one that mirrors Sebastiano Ricci’s “The Fall of the Rebel Angels” with an athletic feat by Chris Vuombo, offering an intriguing visual commentary on competition.
Additionally, Rader illustrates more whimsical connections, such as comparing a scene from Michelangelo’s “The Last Judgment” with a playful Grimace costume. Other side-by-sides draw parallels between Giovanni Battista Tiepolo’s “The Battle of Vercellae” and a lacrosse game, showcasing the fluidity of movement in both sport and art.
“Art But Make It Sports” promises to be more than just a collection of images; it aims to enrich the dialogue surrounding the cultural significance of both art and sport. As readers explore these carefully curated matchups, they may find new interpretations of the world around them, celebrating the intersections that exist between these two traditionally separate realms.
The book is now available for pre-order and will officially hit shelves on 17 March. For those who have enjoyed Rader’s playful exploration of athletics and art on social media, this book offers an exciting opportunity to delve deeper into the themes that unite these seemingly disparate subjects. As Rader himself notes, this format allows for the nuance and detail often missing in quick social media posts, encouraging readers to appreciate and contemplate the artistic connections that echo through the tapestry of sports.