Out of the Box

From their modest origins in the mid-nineteenth century to high-end 
sneakers created in the past decade, sneakers have become a global 
obsession.  
The Rise of Sneaker Culture is the first exhibition to explore the 
complex social history and cultural significance of the footwear now 
worn by billions of people throughout the world.
The exhibition, which includes approximately 150 pairs of sneakers, 
looks at the evolution of the sneaker from its beginnings to its current 
role as status symbol and urban icon. Included are works from the 
archives of manufacturers such as Adidas, Converse, Nike, Puma, and 
Reebok as well as private collectors such as hip-hop legend Darryl 
“DMC” McDaniels, sneaker guru Bobbito Garcia, and Dee Wells of 
Obsessive Sneaker Disorder. Also featured are sneakers by Prada and 
other major fashion design houses and designers, as well as those 
made in collaboration with artists including Damien Hirst and Shantell 
Martin. 
 Film footage, interactive media, photographic images, and design 
drawings contextualize the sneakers and explore the social history, 
technical innovations, fashion trends, and marketing campaigns that 
have shaped sneaker culture over the past two centuries.
The Rise of Sneaker Culture is organized by the American Federation 
of Arts and the Bata Shoe Museum, Toronto. It is curated by Elizabeth 
Semmelhack, Senior Curator, Bata Shoe Museum.
The Brooklyn presentation is organized by Lisa Small, Curator of 
Exhibitions, Brooklyn Museum. 
A fully illustrated catalogue, co-published by the AFA in partnership 
with the Bata Shoe Museum and Rizzoli, accompanies the exhibition.

July 10 - October 4, 2015 
200 Eastern Parkway
Brooklyn, New York 11238–6052