Calling all sneakerheads! The Bata Shoe Museum is about to drop a fun exhibition this fall, and you’re all invited to ponder the big question: “What is Art?” Kicking off on October 3rd, Art/Wear: Sneakers x Artists dives into the epic collab trend where artists team up with sneaker brands to blend art, fashion, and commerce. Think you’ve seen it all? Think again! This exhibition gives you the chance to snag and rock some seriously cool creations by top-tier artists.
“Sneaker and artist collabs are increasingly finding their way into conventional art venues such as museums and auction houses with some elevated to a status similar to limited edition artist prints.” says Elizabeth Semmelhack, Director and Senior Curator at the Bata Shoe Museum. “However, the popularity of these collabs can also be seen as democratizing “high” art, inviting a reconsideration of the intersections between art, fashion, and identity in the modern world.”
What to expect from the exhibit:
Art/Wear: Sneakers and Artists dives into the fascinating world of why artists are obsessed with sneakers—and why we’re all so eager to rock these artful kicks. This exhibition explores the age-old split between art and fashion, and whether our ideas about what counts as art are changing. Get ready to explore the evolution of sneakers as canvases, graffiti artists making their mark on sneakers, epic artist collabs, and the rise of customization as a true art form.
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On the third floor of the Bata Shoe Museum, the exhibition includes sneakers from 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.
The exhibit opens to the public on Thursday, October 3, 2024. The Bata Shoe Museum is open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 5
p.m. The BSM is pleased to offer free general admission every Sunday. Indigenous visitors are
welcome for free.
The most distinctive and limited edition sneakers to expect:
Peter Max x Randy Shoes sneakers, c. 1969–1971
Back in the late ’60s and early ’70s, Peter Max was the king of the art world. His psychedelic vibes were everywhere—uplifting, totally counterculture, and surprisingly marketable. By 1969, he was on fire with over 50 commercial licensing deals! These high tops are a blast from the past, rocking Max’s iconic style, complete with his signature smiling mouth.
KAWS x DC Shoes, 2002
KAWS has gone from tagging the streets of New York to becoming a global art icon. Whether it’s massive sculptures, eye-catching paintings, or collectible figurines, his work is as much a part of pop culture as it is the art scene. Back in 2002, KAWS dropped one of his first sneaker collabs with DC Shoes, featuring his signature character, Chum. These kicks were super limited edition, making them a true collector’s dream.
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Daniel Arsham x adidas Originals New York Futurecraft 4D, 2018
In his Past, Present, Future collab with adidas, the legendary Daniel Arsham took a deep dive into how today’s objects embody the ideas of the past while being shaped by the future. This sneaker is all about that forward-thinking coolness—it’s got a 3D printed sole, hidden branding that only shows up under blue light, and comes in a box that’s as unique as the kicks themselves.
Ruohan Wang x Nike Blazer Mid 77 Flyleather, 2020
Known for her vibrant use of colour and passion for protecting the planet, Ruohan Wang made waves in 2020 when Nike invited her to collaborate on three sneakers using their eco-friendly recycled Flyleather. She infused her designs with powerful messages, featuring the Chinese phrases 自然循环 (natural circulation) and 力量与爱 (power and love), reminding us all that Earth is everyone’s home and it’s up to all of us to protect it.
Keith Haring x Zara, 2024
Keith Haring, a legendary artist and activist who burst onto the scene from New York’s graffiti world, quickly became an art icon. He used his fame to shine a spotlight on the AIDS crisis, which tragically took his life in 1990. Since then, his art has lived on, with his estate licensing it for various projects—including this adorable pair of kids’ sneakers. The best part? Every penny from these kicks goes to support the Keith Haring Foundation’s charitable initiatives.