Bandung artspace C on Temporary along with sneakers marketplace Wormhole is currently holding an exhibition titled “Salone del Sneakers”. 20 pairs of customised Vans sneakers will be showcased in the exhibition, curated by C on Temporary. 

A number of artists are joining this project including Amenkcoy, Ardi Gunawan, Argya Dhyaksa, Arum Dayu, Fandy Susanto, Feransis, Iabadou Piko, Iwan Effendi, Luqi Lukman, MasIto, Meliantha Muliawan, Mirfak Prabowo, PL, Rega Ayundya, Ruth Marbun, R. Yuki Agriardi, Salvius Alvin, Wisnu Auri, Ykha Amelz and Yudha Kusuma Putera.

“At the beginning of this project, we wanted to explore the world of collectibles, both within the sneaker culture and contemporary art as they share the same levels of appreciation and passion in collecting,” said C on Temporary spokesperson Artati. 

Meanwhile, Wormhole said that as they would like to celebrate creative expression in the form of art, it then decided to work with Vans for this project, especially given the fact that Wormhole itself is one of Vans’ authorised dealers/representatives in Indonesia. 

However, Artati further clarifies that this project is never about mere sales, but it is “more towards us wondering what would happen if the two crowds could collide and trigger this discussion around: why do we collect?” They then figured if there was a platform for them to meet, say, in an exhibition, this kind of discussion could materialise organically. 

The design of some sneakers also do emphasise the collectibility aspect of the sneakers; such as in Masito’s “Northern Beggar Shuu” which is aptly displayed in a glass-covered wooden box, or in Argya Dhyaksa’s “Ketempelan Setan Budeg” that is carefully adorned with ceramic parts. 

In terms of the design of the 20 pairs, each presents the different ways of thinking of the artists in dealing with an unusual medium from different studio practices including  painting, photography, sculpture, ceramics, installation, and even works on paper.

Some artists involved also show their versatility, as they experiment different art medium for this project like R Yuki Agriardi and Salvius Alvin, who normally works in 2D mediums such as painting and works on paper, had suddenly decided to dabble in a more sculptural outcome like “Storky’s Sneakers” and “Never Easy” (2022). 

Artist Arum Dayu who usually works mainly with photography and textile, this time she utilises her newborn’s tiny feet in an ode to juggling her studio practice and motherhood. 

Brilliant problem-solving skills are also present in some artists’ for instance in Feransis’ “Mango Sticky Shoes”. He usually works on his collages with paper cut-outs, a medium that would not last if pasted directly on the sneakers. Therefore for this project he applies the same technique by substituting paper with handkerchief cut-outs. 

In the exhibition, visitors will be able to read each artist’s story from the caption, for instance on how Ykha Amelz shared her process in overcoming agoraphobia as she created her piece “Pink Bara Bara” or Yudha Kusuma Putera’s research on the history of Paul Van Doren working experience before creating Vans as he designed “History and Identity”.

“We hope that this method of presenting provides visitors an intimate experience in recognising the level of details and exploration that goes into the artist’s works,” Artati stated.