Oddly enough, sneakers have been a platform (no pun intended) for print-related projects recently. I guess it’s an object that just about everyone can relate to. Below are two very different projects – one mass produced, and the other made for a gallery setting.
A while back, I read about Nike’s Pantone Mix Pack. It’s a series of high chroma sneakers based one Pantone colors. Although these are a bit loud for my taste, I find it interesting that they were released around the same time that Color Chart: Reinventing Color, 1950 to Today opened at MoMA.
More recently – well, today – I read about artist Jimm Lasser. I’ve already seen this project popping up on a number of blogs – but seems worth mentioning based on its overt relation to the multiple as well as the previous discussion of Obama graphics. I would prefer to see the “print” as it would actually look on walking surfaces (mud, sand, water, etc.) rather than in ink. Such practical impressions could be a subtle way to spread the word.
This poster for Jimm Lasser’s show is pretty great too.
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That foot-print made my day.
No kidding. It’s brilliant.
The Nike Pantone project is similar to Puma’s Mongolian BBQ and Reebok’s RBK Custom… it gives people “choice” in the design of their shoes. I put “choice” in quotes because the decisions left to the consumer are relatively superficial. Again, it’s this whole notion of mass-customization- the company provides a limited system through which the consumer chooses the specifics of their product. As you mention, Diana, so many of these result in “loud” and haphazard footwear- strangely, they often look anti-design. Which I guess makes sense being as the consumer isn’t usually a trained designer.
As for Lasser’s project, I love it. No analysis needed.
Interesting to know.