After the huge success of the 25th Anniversary of the Air Force 1 its almost a gaurantee that any event related to the Air Force 1 is going to be a hit. That was the case once again for the Force of Love event which opened at Nike706 in Beijing on the 25th of this month. This event showcased the work of nine artists who represented the air force 1 shoe through their medium of choice. Force of Love of represents the product of a two phase process. Phase one started in October with just the artists creating ideas around the Air Force 1. Phase two is what you see below.
Title: Untitled
Artist: CHEN Man, YANG Dawei (Photographer)
Description: Three groups of three photos, depicting a tattooed woman, a nature scene and AIR FORCE 1. The photographer wants to show the power of peace by shooting a cool tattooed girl in a peaceful state. The peaceful nature scene shows the generosity that originates from nature. Force and Love, force and the spirit of AIR FORCE 1, they link together and form a new internal relationship.
2. The Other Shore
Artist: Liang Yuanwei (Designer/Artist)
Description: The other shore — the clouds are decorated with dreams, the rays of light folded in hopes, the destination should be reached by foot.
Designer/Artist Liang Yu created a special installation with the mold of an Air Force 1. The mold was created using silica gel and translucent materials. When the model is infused with cool water, a color changing mist will appear. This installation was themed with the belief that all Air Force 1 lovers have their own dreams and hopes.
3. Invincible Flaming Chariot
Artist: Gao Yu (Artist)
Description: The trademark use of the panda by Gao Yu is combined with the classic Chinese fable character “Nacha”. The combination of these two elements creates “Panda Nacha” which embodies speed, force and rebellion among the youth. The Flaming Chariot imagery seen within the portrait utilized many elements of the Air Force 1.
4. Untitled
Artist: Guang Yu (Designer/Artist)
Description: Padded cloth shoes represented a traditional footwear staple in China. Generations born in the 70s and 80s have most likely worn a pair handmade by their mothers and grandmothers. With this in mind, Guang Yu created a remixed Air Force 1 version of a classic Chinese element all while keeping expressions of generational love towards the Air Force 1.
5. Air Force Love
Artist: Wang Hui (Architect)
Description: A mixture of gold and white mixed stainless formed the basis of a pair of wings which found themselves on the sides of each shoe. The wings are also covered with white feathers and a decorated golden edge. The wings take the form of the easily recognizable Swoosh from Nike. Observers can stand in the middle of the wings and watch as the wings light up for flight. The powerful winged Air Force 1 represents a dual love for angels and the Air Force 1.
6. MAZYFORCE Muscle Recovering Program
Artist: UNMASK (Artist/Sculptors)
Description: On the 14th of May, 2082, the independent archaeological group known as Unmask Expedition came across a series of ape fossils known as MAZYFORCE. The discovery 200 km northeast of Zhoukoudian proved to be one of great historical significance as it put into disrepute any previous theories on human evolution. From there on in, experts conducted much research and discovered that this particular series of bones possessed muscles over the ankle and instep which yielded unparalleled leaping ability. However more conclusive evidence is needed.
7. Title: Transmission
Artist: Wei Xingyu
Description: The Monkey King and Daffy Duck are two symbols of popular culture amongst the Eastern and Western world respectively. Communication of the truest degree is initiated through the exchange of hearts in the Game of Death which signifies the multi-cultural significance of the Air Force 1.
8. Looking for Love in the Universe
Artist: Perk (Photographers)
Description: As the human race moves forward, they’ve always endeavored towards materialistic and mental pursuits. The costumed individuals represent a race confused, are they still very much looking for love? This piece highlights the positivity associated with the Air Force 1and love itself in classic Perk stylings, cartoonish, colorful and hallucinatory.
9. Untitled
Artist: Chen Man & Yang Dawei (Photographer)
Description: The depiction of the photos together were created as a parallelism to relate the tattooed woman, the nature scene and the Air Force 1. The essence of the three photographs together showcase the peaceful states of the nature and the woman that link together a new internal relationship with the Air Force 1.
Force of Love
Nike706
798 Factory, No. 2 Hu Xian Qiao Road
Beijing, China
November 25th – December 17th, 2007 (Closed on Monday)
10:00 am – 6:00 pm
