Sole Searching: Capturing the Art of Footwear at Galleries and Fairs
Attending art fairs like Frieze LA and Arco Lisbon is always a feast for the senses, but recently, my fascination took an unexpected turn—downward, to the shoes of the attendees. What began as a quirky side project has evolved into an exploration of how people wear art on their feet. Amidst the striking paintings and sculptures, I found myself captivated by the eclectic array of footwear, each pair revealing a unique story and a glimpse into the wearer's personality and tastes.
At Frieze LA, the shoes mirrored the city's eclectic spirit, ranging from edgy, sculptural heels that seemed to defy gravity to sneakers that could double as a canvas for street art. One attendee wore sneakers with hand-painted designs inspired by Basquiat, blending the worlds of street art and high fashion seamlessly. Another sported stilettos that sparkled with enough glitter to rival a Jeff Koons installation. Each pair of shoes seemed to be an extension of the art on display, a personal canvas where creativity and inspiration knew no bounds.
Arco Lisbon offered a different but equally captivating sartorial landscape. The footwear ranged from traditional Portuguese leather shoes to avant-garde designs that looked straight out of a surrealist painting. I encountered boots with intricate embroidery echoing the delicate patterns of Portuguese tiles and sandals mimicking the flowing lines of Matisse's cut-outs. Conversations with attendees revealed that many were inspired by their artistic surroundings, using their footwear as a canvas to express their newfound inspirations. It became clear that these art lovers were not just admirers but active participants in the creative process.
Of course, the funny side of footwear was also on display, with impractical choices providing endless amusement. Heels so high they could double as stilts and shoes so avant-garde they seemed more suited for a museum display than a day of walking were common sights. These whimsical choices reminded me that art and fashion should never take themselves too seriously. Attending art fairs like Frieze LA and Arco Lisbon has deepened my appreciation for the myriad ways in which art permeates our lives. Whether through a canvas, a sculpture, or a pair of shoes, creativity finds its way into every corner of our existence.
