Current Exhibit

SIX AH WI Artist’s Collective Presents
The Reflection Exhibition Series (2nd)
Retro Revisited
Exploring the Anthropology of KICKZ Culture and Wearable Art

Curatorial Statement

With the trend in athletic footwear moving progressively from purely function to customizable wearable art, Retro Revisited examines KICKZ culture’s evolution, from inception to date. A multi-media exhibit exploring KICKZ (sneaker) culture through a visual arts lens, members of the SIX AH WI Artists’ Collective (SAW) present paintings, photography, installations, graphic fine arts pieces, experimental film and video, offering exhibition attendees a (re) interpretation of KICKZ culture, design, and functionality.

Drawing on the writings of Ted Polhemus, the American anthropologist, writer, and photographer, Retro Revisited shows how branding, KICKZ culture, individual and group identity are interlinked. In their visual examination, SAW artists argue popular culture is impacted and influenced by commerce and commercial trends, the interplay with and resistance to existing societal norms.

 Core Creative Components

Paintings and Graphic Fine Art: Inspired by the visual aesthetic and lifestyle trends surrounding youth sub-culture from the period of the early 70’s to-today, artists’ pieces critically explore the influence and impact of color, size and design on group affiliation, personal identity and self expression. Works depict the commercialization of sneaker culture and how collecting sneakers is often about exchange, trade for profit and hoarding. Pieces in this category reflect upon wearable art (T-shirts etc.) arising from the KICKZ subculture. The social DNA of people who wear sneakers is illustrated and how the sole of KICKZ represents the social experience of individuals in an urban or rural environment.

Photography: The works of emerging and prominent photographers are used to highlight a visual anthropology of KICKZ and shoe culture. The exhibit explores how the emergence of the KICKZ sub-culture in the early 1980s influenced contemporary fashion, art and music.

Film: Celluloid and KICKZ is an experimental short film exploring the contemporary dialogue around personal identity through branded product (sneakers).

Installation: Installations consist of retro-KICKZ creatively distributed throughout the exhibition space. A presentation featuring, books and  album covers (vinyl) showcasing images and themes related to emergence of KICKZ and shoe culture. A KICKZ BOX of captured KICKZ is also on display

Education & Outreach: SIX AH WI, ART (Acting Responsibly Together) and Art Starts provide youth with workshops that lead to their inclusion in the exhibit. With instruction from the collective’s members and exhibitors, youth create and exhibit a large wire sculptured sneaker and become a part of an experimental video shown at the exhibit.