Decades ago, Nike harnessed a shape-shifting element that forever changed the brand with it’s Air Max line. To celebrate the next generation of Nike Air, the Swoosh partnered with a group of artists to use their imagination and watch it become a reality.
Leading up to 3.26, the Nike Air Gallery is the brand’s hub for Air Max Day 2018. The space is an immersive gallery and gift shop that celebrates Nike Air through art, workshops, and Air Max-related events. Using the new Air Max 270 as inspiration, six artworks created by young and emerging artists were put on display in the space.
I met a handful of the artists and learned about their passions. While speaking with Gabe Gault (@gabegault), he told me about his upbringing and explained his visual movement of Air style. Gault is a Venice Beach local and the area’s culture made a lasting impression on him; his love for street art and camouflage patterns resonate throughout his work.
I also spoke with Brandon Land (@brandonland_), a San Francisco-based graphic designer, artist, and illustrator. We discussed his influences and favorite kicks growing up; the OG Air Max 1 is his favorite and the new atmos AM97 Safari Pack is high on the list of all-time greats. Land’s art piece focuses on the different personalities that wear Air.
The party then shifted gears as we hit up the Los Feliz Theatre; there we watched the trailer debuting the VaporMax Moc 2, designed in collaboration with ACRONYM founder Errolson Hugh and musician John Mayer. Hugh created three colorways of the new sneaker that evoke the art of disguise. ACRONYM camo prints dominate the Flyknit upper, while the laceless design and bold texture treatments reflect Errolson’s trademark industrial aesthetic.
The Air Max 270, the latest Air Max model, is now available at Eastbay.com with new colorways dropping this spring. The VaporMax Moc 2’s first colorway, Johnny’s Icy Passage, will be available Monday, March 26, via nike.com and the SNKRS app.
Photography by @mrsilver21
