If you’re looking to inject some culture into your life, haven’t visited our art gallery for a while, are into urban culture, and/or you dig free fun, you’re going to want to add this to your list. Offering up guided tours, an unmissable open house event and a killer competition, there’s something for everybody.
The first exhibition of its kind, The Rise of Sneaker Culture comes to us after touring North America, for its only Australian showing at Art Gallery of WA (AGWA). Exploring the rise of the humble sneaker from the mid-nineteenth century to its present-day status symbol in urban culture, and wearable art form, the exhibition showcases shoes from the archives of Adidas, Converse, Nike and Puma, as well as private collectors such as Run-DMC, sneaker guru Bobbito Garcia (Kool Bob Love) and Dee Wells of Obsessive Sneaker Disorder. Also featured are sneaker collaborations between celebrities, artists and high-end fashion houses, including Rihanna, Kanye West, Sophia Chang, Tom Sachs, Damien Hirst, Prada and Lanvin.
Film footage, interactive media, photographic images, and design drawings contextualise the sneakers and explore the social history, technical innovations, fashion trends, and marketing campaigns that have shaped sneaker culture over the past two centuries.
You’re not going to want to miss the free open house event on Saturday May 13, 10am-5pm, celebrating the first day of The Rise of Sneaker Culture, including music from WA DJs and local bands, sneaker swap, skateboarding and urban dance, sneaker tours, basketball and much more. AGWA’s sneakerlier will be revealed, plus WA collector, Lee Ingram, and AGWA Curator, Robert Cook, will be in the Gallery for insights into the exhibition and sneaker culture across the world. Check out the program HERE.
How about that comp? Well, if you’re down to win a trip for twp to San Francisco thanks to Singapore Airlines, here’s your chance. Sneakers are worn by billions of people around the world. Across fashion, music, sport, street, self-expression, work – there’s a sneaker story to be told, and AGWA’s asking for yours. All you need to do to enter is share your favourite sneaker story via Instagram. It could be the pair that saw you travel around the world. Fashion kicks that scored cred with your crew. Or maybe the ones you were wearing when you took 3 for 6 at cricket. Sport, street, fashion, travel or work … if it’s your story, AGWA wants to hear it. To enter, simply submit a short video with #mysneakerstory. How easy is that? The competition runs 10am, 5 April 2017 through to 5pm, 4 September 2017 (AWT).
Killer line up, loads of rad kicks to check out, and stuff to be won- what’s not to love? Did we mention it’s all free?
The Rise of Sneaker Culture kicks off (sorry) this Saturday May 13 at the Art Gallery of WA.
