Art Wear

Art/Wear: Sneakers x Artists

October 03, 2024 – March 23, 2026
 
“What is art?” This question has sparked debate for centuries, and today, the boundaries of what defines art are being pushed further than ever. One significant shift is the growing trend of artists engaging in commercial collaborations, particularly with sneaker brands. These collaborations blur the lines between art, fashion, and commerce, offering consumers the opportunity to buy and wear creations by some of the most revered figures in the art world. Many of these sneakers are also finding their place within traditional art spaces, such as museums and auction houses, where their rarity has elevated them to a status similar to limited edition artist prints. The cultural significance of these artist-sneaker collaborations is contributing to the ongoing discussion of what defines art today.

Many artists are increasingly using sneakers in conceptually rich ways to challenge and redefine conventional artistic boundaries. By manipulating the familiar form of sneakers, these artists create provocative works that explore themes of consumerism, personal expression, and societal expectations. Through their deconstruction, repurposing, and political use of sneakers, these artists invite viewers to reconsider the intersections between art, fashion, and identity in the modern world.

Art/Wear: Sneakers and Artists asks why artists are drawn to working on/with sneakers and why so many of us are interested in wearing these pieces. It also explores the longstanding divide in Western thought between art and fashion, ultimately questioning if and how our collective definitions of art are shifting. Topics explored include: a history of sneakers as canvases, graffiti artists and sneakers, and artist collabs, and the rise of customization as its own art form.

Artists on view: Aaron Fowler, Alife, Andrew Mania, Bryant Giles, Cey Adams, Damien Hirst, Daniel Arsham, Dave White, ESPO, Futura, Eric Haze, Hebru Brantley, Javier Calleja, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Judi Werthein, Kate Knudsen, KAWS, Keith Haring, Kenzo Minami, Mache, Michael Lau, MSCHF, Peter Max, Ruohan Wang, Shantell Martin, Stash, Takashi Murakami, Tom Sachs, Vicky Vuong, and Virgil Abloh.

 
Art Wear Exhibit

EXHIBITION HIGHLIGHTS Peter Max x Randy Shoes sneakers, c. 1969–1971 In the late 60s / early 70s, artist Peter Max was arguably the most influential artist in the Western world. His psychedelic artwork was uplifting, counterculture in feel, and yet extremely marketable. By 1969, he had over 50 commercial licensing agreements. This pair of high tops features Max’s style, including his signature smiling mouth. Daniel Arsham x adidas Originals New York Futurecraft 4D, 2018 For his Past, Present, Future collaboration with adidas, renowned artist Daniel Arsham explored how present objects embody ideas of the past while destined to be transformed by the future. This sneaker features a 3D printed sole, branding exposed only by blue light, a specially designed box that, once opened, cannot be closed again, and included a pair of gloves for handling the artifact. KAWS x DC Shoes, 2002 KAWS, is one of the most prominent artists in the world today. His work which started as graffiti in New York and now ranges from large-scale paintings and sculptures to small figurines and sneakers, is as relevant to the art world as it is to popular culture. One of KAWS’s earliest sneaker collabs was with DC Shoes in 2002 featuring his character Chum. Only a limited number of these sneakers were ever produced..
On loan from the artist Ruohan Wang x Nike Blazer Mid 77 Flyleather, 2020 Renowned for her use of colour, commitment to protecting the planet, as well as the concept of “Time and Energy Transformation”, Ruohan Wang was invited by Nike in 2020 to collaborate on three sneakers made using their new recycled Flyleather. Wang incorporated the Chinese phrases ⾃然循环 (natural circulation) and ⼒量与爱 (power and love) into the design to convey that the Earth belongs to everyone and protecting it is a universal responsibility. MSCHF BWD, 2023 Brooklyn-based artist collective MSCHF, pronounced “mischief”, constantly questions the validity of our ideas about art and consumerism through their sometimes controversial work. This BWD shoe is designed to be worn backwards. As their description states, “Life can only be understood backwards but must be lived forward. That’s why you need two pairs of shoes, one for living and one for understanding.” Murakami x RTFKT x Nike Air Force 1 - Murakami DNA, 2024 Renowned Japanese artist Takashi Murakami began collaborating with RTFKT (pronounced “artifact”) in 2022 when they were acquired by Nike to create avatars and fashion in the Metaverse. Some of RTFKT’s creations are “forged”, meaning made physical for use in the real world, like this pair of sneakers, one of only 167 pairs ever made. Keith Haring x Zara, 2024 One of the most famous artists and activists to emerge from the New York graffiti art scene, Haring was quickly embraced by the art world. He used his notoriety to bring attention to the AIDS epidemic that would eventually take his life in 1990. Since his death, his estate has licensed his art for various uses including this pair of children’s sneakers. All proceeds support the granting initiatives of the Keith Haring Foundation. Purchase tickets through ShowPass BUY NOW Media Partners

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