Is sneaker culture a form of fetishism? This is the question posed by artist Izaak Brandt, whose new work “Deadstock Archive: The Classics” invites us to reflect on our obsession with streetwear.
The work incorporates six of the most famous and recognizable sneakers: Air Jordan 1, BAPESTA, adidas Superstar, Nike Air Force 1, Converse Chuck Taylor and Reebok Classic. But each of them has been transformed into a light, semi-transparent skeletal sculpture, which now exists only as a decorative object. What remains is a sort of ‘ghost’ of the sneaker that was there before, preserved in a powder-coated steel structure.In doing so, Brandt hopes to highlight how sneaker collectors go beyond the functional purpose of the shoe, transforming a practical object into a piece of art.
The “Deadstock” series is just the latest project by Brandt, whose Instagram channel shows previous renderings of footwear by YEEZY, Crocs, Merrell and Prada, among others. The artist has also worked on collaborations for brands including Louis Vuitton and emerging British designer Saul Nash considered one of the brightest rising stars in sportswear.
Izaak Brandt is a London based multidisciplinary artist. Using the ‘body’ as his starting point he explores the mediums of sculpture, film, drawing and performance. Brandt’s work draws feelingly from his career as an international dancer. Breakdancing has taken Brandt all over the world and through the form he’s developed intense self discipline, energy and a love of experimentation. Through an iterative process Brandt uses paint, sculpture and film like a choreographer: each exploration a journey to a vibrant changeable identity.
