Nike is celebrating their 3rd annual Air Max Day (March 26th) this year and they decided to do something a little different in 2018 by celebrating through creative and artistic expression. So how did they do this? With the Nike AIR Gallery.
So what exactly is the Nike AIR Gallery you ask? Nike describes it as their “brand hub” for Air Max Day 2018. It is an immersive gallery, gift shop and event space celebrating Nike Air through art, workshops, Air Max-related takeaways, an Air Max Day event and more.
#TeamKoF had the pleasure of attending the Nike AIR Gallery on Friday, March 23rd, which was the invite-only day for media and influencers. The Nike AIR Gallery featured artistic creations by emerging, local artists including Bijou Karman, Brandon Land, Dear Giana, Gabe Gault, Gianni Lee, and Meryl Pataky. Each piece of art was inspired by the all-new Air Max 270, the latest and greatest addition to the Nike Air Max family.
I had the opportunity to interview each artist and chat with them for a couple of minutes regarding their art contribution and Air Max. Let’s take a closer look at each artist and their art.
Dear Giana is the youngest artist from the group (by a landslide haha) as this 8-year-old, who has been drawing since age 3, drew the Air Max 270 in the “Dusty Cactus” colorway. She used colored pencils, colored pens, and markers to create this piece which took her two days to complete. Not only is Dear Giana into sneakers, but she is also a young fashion guru who has hosted three solo art shows across the country and is most notable for recreating high-end fashion imagery. I think it’s safe to say that Dear Giana hasn’t even scratched the surface on what her potential could be. She is definitely the future.
Bijou Karman used “Air” and exaggerated Air as her inspiration for her piece along with picturing the modern woman who would wear the Air Max 270 today. Her piece is also centered around Los Angeles style (fashion and setting). Bijou is big into fashion and told me that the reason she decided to paint a woman is because they’re so “inspiring” to her. I’m pretty sure Nike (and the majority of us feel the same way). #ForceIsFemale
When I first set my eyes on Brandon’s piece I automatically thought “this is something that I could have easily seen from a Nike ad back in the 80s when Air Max first debuted.” His cartoon/comic book style just screams retro. Not only was his piece inspired by Air as a concept, but he also incorporated characteristics from the city of Los Angeles such as b-boys, Venice Beach weightlifters, and people roller-skating.
Without a doubt the most unique and different piece from the bunch was this creation by Meryl Pataky who used neon tubes. Meryl labeled her work as a “discovery piece” which was done in an abstract manner with the goal being the spectator looking at neon in a different way than the typical “sign”. This neon creation was designed by Meryl and fabricated by her close colleague Roxy Rose here in Los Angeles.
Perhaps the most realistic work came from Gabe Gault, a Southern California Native who has a love for street art, pop culture, and camouflage patterns. His piece symbolizes the fun of living, breathing, and ultimately, wearing Nike Air.
Inspired by the magnified upper and color of the Air Max 270, Gianni Lee’s piece is about the struggle of processing new information with what we already know about ourselves, the quest for higher or limitless knowledge. His belief we are all seeking that level of freedom which directly correlates with the idea of limitless air. Previously a fashion designer, Gianni has turned to painting for the last two years and says he likes painting because it’s a lot more “selfish” and it’s all about you. He used the example “you can’t be Diddy in all your videos when you’re making clothes cause it comes off kinda corny…it’s all about the clothes not the person who makes the clothes.”
From the Nike AIR Gallery we hopped aboard the “Air Bus” to conclude the night as we attended the global launch of Nike Air VaporMax at Los Feliz Theater, featuring a panel with Acronym® founder Errolson Hugh and special guest John Mayer.
Thank you to Nike for having us out and allowing us to celebrate Air Max Day in a unique way. Looking forward to what you guys have planned next year! #AirMaxDay
images: Nike
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