XPOME 2026: Concrete Letterforms Become Sculptural Skatepark in Bulgaria
Bulgarian graffiti artist XPOME unveils SKATEABLE, a mini skatepark made of concrete and steel letters at the Christo and Jeanne-Claude Center in Gabrovo.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- XPOME designed a sculptural mini skatepark named SKATEABLE in Gabrovo, Bulgaria.
- The structure is built from concrete and steel spelling out five distinct letters.
- It is exhibited in front of the old building of the Christo and Jeanne-Claude Center.
- Each letter functions as a unique skateboarding obstacle or public seating bench.
The worlds of street art and skateboarding have converged in Bulgaria as local graffiti artist XPOME introduces SKATEABLE, an innovative project linking typography, graffiti, and skate culture. Debuting as part of an ongoing exhibition dedicated to the history of skateboarding in Bulgaria, the project brings a fresh perspective to public sculpture design at the Christo and Jeanne-Claude Center.
Commissioned to create a standalone sculpture for the exhibition, XPOME opted to construct a fully functional mini skatepark directly in front of the center's historic building located in the city of Gabrovo. The installation merges urban aesthetics with tactile architectural elements designed for active community interaction.
The sculpture spells out 'XPOME,' the artist's signature moniker, utilizing five massive concrete and steel structures. Rather than serving purely aesthetic purposes, every single letter is engineered to double as a practical element for skateboarding tricks or as a resting spot for visitors.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
The structural breakdown of the letters includes the following features:
- The letter X: Formed into a double quarter pipe for transitions and speed generation.
- The letter P: Features a classic metal rail wrapped around a central concrete island.
- The letter O: Engineered to become the very first volcano obstacle ever built in Bulgaria.
- The letter M: Designed as a large bench suitable for sliding and grinding maneuvers.
- The letter E: Built as a compact triple jumping platform for aerial tricks.
"SKATEABLE, the mini skatepark by XPOME connects graffiti, typography, and skateboarding through concrete and steel."
XPOME
The integration of typography into functional public sports architecture represents a growing movement in contemporary urban design. By transforming letters into skateable obstacles, artists like XPOME challenge traditional boundaries between fine art and urban recreation. This project in Gabrovo highlights how Eastern European public spaces can embrace youth subcultures, turning exhibitions into interactive community landscapes using durable industrial materials like reinforced concrete and steel.
Source: designboom
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