Bradley Ward pictured with other artists at the 2022 Miami Art Basel
The year 2022 featured many memorable events, but not many were in the realm of the 20th anniversary of Miami's Art Basel. Just last week, artists and connoisseurs from across the country made their way to Miami in celebration of all things art.
One creator who was present for the festivities was Houston native Bradley Ward. Ward's attendance extended beyond a typical guest invite as he played a significant role in the unveiling of Michelob ULTRA's NBA team cans. The beer brand debuted its 2022-23 line of limited-edition NBA team cans featuring designs inspired by several NBA teams from six artists. Ward, who designed the artwork for the Houston Rockets, said that multiple eras of the iconic sports team inspired the artwork.
"It was a way to create a through line through all the eras of my experience with basketball in the city of Houston," Ward told For(bes) The Culture. "The old uniforms remind me of my parents and uncles, while the blue ones remind me of my sister and myself. It was a way of striking a chord through these generations and a tangible line through the city."
Michelob ULTRA's NBA Team can for the Houston Rockets designed by Bradley Ward
For those unfamiliar with Ward's artistry, he'd describe it as a vehicle to tell the truth about Black history. Ward feels his content pays homage to how Black people have redefined themselves throughout history.
"It's just about being present and telling the truth about our history, which is what I've done with my art," Ward said. "All of our interests are the ways that we as Black people redefine ourselves in these grand White settings, so what I've done with my work is find a way to appreciate and give reverence to the ways that we've uniquely adapted to our situations."
Aside from using art to be a truth teller of Black culture and history, Ward feels the Black community must tell their own stories as it is pivotal for the next generation to witness.
"The most important thing we all need to remember is that most of what we've learned comes from a white narrative or perspective, and that's why I think it's important for Black people to tell their own history in real-time," Ward said. "For the younger Black kids growing up, as long as they see it and know it's possible, that's all we really need. We just need the inkling of a notion that these things are possible."
As Ward progresses in his career, he wants to continue sharing his gifts with the world while ensuring that his work is as accessible as possible.
“I don't even know the limit anymore, which feels great. I want to continue getting better and to have my work be accessible as many ways as possible and for my work to be synonymous with things that I'm interested in," Ward said. "I just want to continue to share what sports have done for me in the way that I've been able to do art."
