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
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
