PAIR XXXI // "Corpus"

Inspired by Jean Michel Basquiat, this pair was challenging yet fun to paint. Basquiat’s work often plays with the idea of decay and dissection through using texture and abstract forms. I wanted my work to look inspired by Michel, but not a replica. I took select works (ex. “Cabra”, 1982) and interpreted them into my own style. 

Also, for the first time I incorporated the hardware of the shoe within the art. By highlighting certain parts of the “swoosh” beyond the colour blocks, I achieved an end product that looks deconstructed yet well put together (like Basquiat’s work). In addition, instead of simply using black ink for the illustrations atop the colour blocks, I used paints that are iconic to Michel (ex. yellow) to add dimension. 

Other elements include Danny brown lyrics (spot em!!). They add to the playful and unrestricted nature of the theme.

The most challenging part with these sneakers was finding the balance between replicating Basquiat’s work and being inspired by it. It’s really important to me to pay homage to his work correctly. Researching his work was an inspiring and eye-opening process, I definitely wanna do more projects where I study an artist/theme in depth. During a showcase event of these kicks, someone said “its almost like theres a new painting in each panel” and I almost cried (!!) that was the goal. 

(PAIR XXXI // Corpus, Huney, November 2019, Acrylic on Nike Air Force Ones)