THE FEEL FREE ARTZ GROUP
Friday, October 30, 2020
ART: UTA Artist Space Investigates Black Artists' Narratives in "Renaissance: Noir"
California-based gallery UTA Artist Space is currently hosting a virtual exhibition entitled “Renaissance: Noir” that features the works of 12 emerging Black artists. Curated by Myrtis Bedolla, Baltimore-based owner of Galerie Myrtis, the digitally-displayed artworks touch on various aspects of “Blackness.” The online presentation arrives at a time where there is heightened awareness of the longstanding racism and police brutality against Black people in America with Black Lives Matter protests occurring across the globe.
The artists spotlighted in the exhibition include Tawny Chatmon, Wesley Clark, Alfred Conteh, Larry Cook, Morel Doucet, Monica Ikegwu, Ronald Jackson, M. Scott Johnson, Delita Martin, Arvie Smith, Nelson Stevens, and Felandus Thames. “ Their work collectively captures the existence of “double consciousness,” as coined by W.E.B. DuBois, where one is constantly combating the ‘isms’ —racism, colorism, sexism, capitalism, colonialism, escapism, and criticism through the act of artistic activism,” expressed the gallery in a statement.
A portion of the proceeds from the sale of works in the exhibition will benefit Artist Relief — an emergency initiative launched this year by a group of national arts grantmakers to provide financial and informational resources to artists across the United States in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
“We are honored to showcase works from Galerie Myrtis, one of the world’s leading Black-owned galleries, especially at such a critical moment in our nation’s history,” said Arthur Lewis, Creative Director of UTA Fine Arts and UTA Artist Space. “It is thanks to Myrtis Bedolla that I first saw the work of Amy Sherald and Jamia Richmond Edwards. She is a true visionary who continues to give broader visibility to the narrative of Blackness.”
View select artworks in the slideshow above and then visit UTA Artist Space’s website to learn more.
FRESH KICKS:
adidas‘ Ultra4D combines the upper from an UltraBOOST 1.0 with the future-forward 4D sole unit from its Futurecraft sneaker line, and now the silhouette is about to drop in the favored colorway of “Footwear White/Core White.”
The Primeknit upper from the UltraBOOST 1.0 served in “Core White” is an already stellar place to start. Back in 2015, Kanye West donned a pair of “Triple White” UltraBOOST which subsequently lead to them selling out, and following white-toned colorways succumbed to the hype, often selling out upon release.
This Ultra4D adopts a colorway more in-line with the “Cream” UltraBOOST 1.0 or the adidas Futurecraft 3D OG, and does away with the usual mint green 4D sole unit by replacing it with matching cream tones. The result is a clean fall-ready sneaker complete with tonal elements all around — the branded heel cup, adidas EQT stripes on the tongue, Three Stripe-adorned cage, and the laces are all served in creamy white, while the 4D sole unit is lined with a black outsole.
adidas will be dropping the Ultra4D “Footwear White/Core White” at retailers such as Hanon, as well at its own outposts, on November 4. The sneaker is priced at £180 GBP (approx. $233 USD). Take a closer look at the pair above.
As the old Tom Petty song goes, “it’s good to be king,” and that adage rings especially true for LeBron James. He recently lead the Los Angeles Lakers to their first NBA Championship since 2010, celebrated the release of his latest signature shoe with Nike Basketball — the LeBron 18 — and is now looking back to a different era in his partnership with Nike by re-releasing the classic LeBron 8. One of the first colorways to be revealed? A ravishingly regal “Gym Red.”
Constructed of both rough-hewn leathers and sleek, Flywire-bolstered synthetics, the “Gym Red” upper is dressed almost entirely in its namesake hue. Bright yellow provides trim around many of the pieces and select eyestays while also adorning the tongue’s debossed lion logo. It also appears on the insole, thanks to a leather patch coated with a bold “Witness” graphic.
Placed behind the lateral quarter panel and swooping up onto the heel, Swooshes are done up in black with “Cucumber Calm” piping, matching the tone used on the midsole’s full-length Air Max cushioning unit. This bouncy setup is sandwiched in between black EVA foam and a glow-in-the-dark green outsole to finalize the look.
An official release date for the Nike LeBron 8 “Gym Red” has yet to be announced, but it’ll likely hit the Nike webstore and retailers like Foot Locker before the end of 2020.
adidas has been pushing to make its 4D tech more accessable in the lifestyle sphere over the course of 2020, and the latest product of that experimentation is the IIM 4D, a shoe that’s surfaced in a gray and yellow colorway. Joining other Trefoil silhouettes like the ZX 2K 4D and the 4D Run 1.0, the IIM 4D’s build is centered around its latticed, 3D-printed midsole. However, it also features a swath of other appealing design points.
Knit uppers combine a light gray base with two types of yellow accents: muted on the midfoot, vibrant on the toebox. This color scheme, knit construction with a sock-like collar and perforations on the quarter panels and forefoot offer slight shades of Kanye West‘s adidas YEEZY BOOST 380. On the other hand, a wild lacing system that features embroidered anchors and tubular detailing seems to pull inspiration from Y-3 styles like the Shiku or RUNNER 4D II.
Midsoles present a significantly more trim look than most other 4D sneakers, thanks in large part to a full-foot translucent TPU sheath that brings stability to the upper and encases part of the footbed’s latticed build. Dressed in a pale shade of yellow, the 4D midsole is constructed using adidas’ proprietary Digital Light Synthesis tech, which combines light and oxygen into a solid, supportive cushioning setup. An interesting vertical tread pattern completes the look.
A release date for the adidas IIM 4D in gray and yellow has yet to be announced, but it’ll likely arrive towards the tail end of 2020 or in the beginning of 2021.
adidas Originals‘ “A-ZX” series has delivered many a bold sneaker, from the Hey Tea ZX 7000 to LEGO’s ZX 8000, and now the Three Striped brand has tapped the University of Miami for “U,” reworking the ZX 5000.
The adidas Originals ZX 5000 was originally debuted in 1989 as a sneaker for serious runners and casuals alike, coming equipped with a Kevlar torsion system and a large external heel cage that set the shoe apart from other ZX models that released in ‘89 — such as the 4000, 6000, 8000 and 9000.
This collaboration serves as a homage to the ZX 5000, the Miami Hurricanes, and the University of Miami’s heritage, delivering elements that have been reworked using the esteemed institution’s sporting colorway. For example, the electroplated TPU heel counter appears in orange and green — split down the middle at the rear — while the Three Stripe branding appears in white with shadowing reminiscent of that found on the OG ZX 5000.
Elsewhere, white patent leather and ballistic nylon have been used to construct the upper, while co-branded lace jewels, sock liners, and tongue tabs have been added to round out the collaborative pair. Lastly, a contrasting gold-chrome electroplated Torsion bar appears embedded into the outsole.
The University of Miami’s adidas Originals ZX 5000 releases globally on November 6 at select retailers such as Overkill, as well as on the adidas website, and will cost $140 USD. Take a closer look at the limited-edition pair above.
Every year, Jordan Brand celebrates China’s Singles’ Day holiday – the world’s largest online and offline shopping day, occurring annually on November 11 — with a special Air Jordan release, and 2020’s participant in the capitalism-fueled festivities is a jacquard pattern-covered Air Jordan 6. Following up 2019’s Air Jordan 5 “Island Green” and 2018’s wear-away Air Jordan 4 “Singles Day,” this ladies-only take on Michael Jordan‘s sixth signature sneaker draws its inspiration from the “little black dress,” a cornerstone of many women’s wardrobes.
Save for the nubuck forefoot overlays, the entire upper is built from a delicate jacquard pattern that blends sporty motifs like basketballs and nets with classic roses. Of special note is the traditional Chinese knot done up in burgundy on the tongue, which represents good luck. Down below this hangs a metallic gold Jumpman charm. The rest of the shoe follows suit with a black tongue, black heel tab and more jacquard on the midsole.
The Air Jordan 6 “Singles Day” will release exclusively on Nike SNKRS China come October 31, and is priced at ¥1,599 CNY (approximately $238 USD). Although it is a women’s release, it’ll be available in an extended size run.
Nike‘s Air Force 1 Boot GORE-TEX has been given autumnal colorways — a toasty “Wheat” and dark “Olive” iteration. This release follows the label’s “Black Gum” rendition from back in September.
Starting at the top of the shoe is a sleek rubber ankle strap that offers the wearer a snug fit. The shoe’s GORE-TEX uppers are dominated by smooth full-grain leather, accented by materials like ripstop and cotton for added texture. “Nike” branding appears at the tongue over a set of flat laces that cover the forefoot. A large Swoosh is woven over the sidewalls, below which an embroidered “GORE-TEX” label is etched. Other details like subtle perforations at the toebox, a bold Swoosh at the heel counter and a thick, finely treaded midsole round off the sneaker’s outdoor-friendly design.
Nike’s Air Force 1 GORE-TEX “Olive” will be available on October 28, 10 p.m. EDT, while the “Wheat” colorway will be released on November 9, 11 p.m. EDT on Nike’s website for $180 USD.
WHIPS & BIKES:
Liberty Walk takes a break from exotics and heads back to Japan for a wide-body take on the Lexus LC500. In this new LC500 kit, Liberty Walk‘s signature wide fenders can be seen coupled with a number of diffusers, a front lip splitter, rear carbon fiber exhaust trim, and a large ducktail spoiler.
The display model shown has been treated to the full build with deep-dish six-spoke wheels, a titanium exhaust, and AirRex suspension. As with all Liberty Walk kits, this one comes at a premium, priced in at $13,380 USD for the FRP version and $16,740 USD for the carbon FRP edition.
In other automotive news, McLaren dresses its $1.7 million USD limited-edition Elva in iconic Gulf livery.
Giving the R 18 an even more vintage look, the Classic model comes equipped with a large windscreen and straight tail pipes, as well as an array of other accessories from the German automaker’s partners including Mustang, Roland Sands and Vance & Hines, so you’ll have plenty of customization options. Other features include an updated LED headlight and black leather saddlebags.
Aside from launching an all-new model, BMW Motorrad has also given its existing R nineT series a welcome upgrade, most notably with the new 1,170cc engine, which pushes out 90 horsepower and 85 pound-feet of torque. ABS Pro and Dynamic Brake Control will now also come standard for the entire range, as well as adjustable spring pre-load and numerous other drive modes. For those looking for even more custom options, BMW Motorrad is also offering “Option 719,” a program for you to tailor your R nineT model exactly to your liking.
To learn more about the new releases, you can headover to the automaker’s website.
Teased late last month, Yohji Yamamoto has now introduced his collaborative Lamborghini, coinciding with the Italian automaker’s new Japanese experiential retail outpost, THE LOUNGE TOKYO. Alongside the Japanese designers’ elevated Aventador S, the duo have prepped a special capsule collection to mark the occasion.
Featuring the illustrative artwork seen in the teaser imagery, the slick Aventador features a streaked red and black wrap across the entire body, accented by stylized Katakana and Kanji text in contrasting white. The interior is, of course, black, but it’s also surprisingly loud, with plush suede bolstered by embroidered text and more hits of red. The accompanying apparel — a fishtail parka, bomber jacket and hoodie — features matching graphics atop Yamamoto’s signature black shade, tying in perfectly with the special one-off automobile.
“It has been exciting to have the chance to work with Yohji Yamamoto, the world-renowned fashion icon, who innately understood our significant Lamborghini design DNA,” Mitja Borkert, Lamborghini’s head of design, said in a statement. “Our collaboration inspired this outstanding artwork and design for the Aventador S, which was unveiled today, and celebrates Italian craftsmanship connecting with Japanese culture.”
“With their inimitable design, Lamborghini super sports cars are more instantly recognizable than any other car manufacturer – just one glance is enough,” Yamamoto continued. “I am delighted to see the realization of this collaboration, highlighting the uniqueness, the timelessness, and the abundant passion, which are characteristic of both our brands.”
Set to launch alongside the Aventador, THE LOUNGE TOKYO is a special venue located in Roppongi Hills, stylized in a similar vein to The Lounge New York . This standalone outpost features three floors for Lamborghini fans, clients and VIPs to stretch out, relax and order personalized cars. Capable of hosting special events, THE LOUNGE TOKYO will eventually host art exhibitions, conferences and other gatherings.
“Lamborghini always strives to break new ground, both within the automotive sector in terms of design, technology and performance, but within the greater realm around us,” enthuses Katia Bassi, Lamborghini’s chief marketing and communication officer. “We are proud to present two important projects at the same time: together with the Lounge’s opening, a second project comes alive today, and we are honored to present Lamborghini’s collaboration with Yohji Yamamoto.”
Most recently, Lamborghini produced a 3D puzzle of its timeless Huracán EVO.
THE LOUNGE TOKYO
7-5-5 Roppongi
Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0032
Japan
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)