The Foot Locker Art Prize is the most exciting collaboration in Australasia’s sneaker history.
In an effort to unite sneaker fans in their shared passion for sneakers, the competition was launched in June 2011. Auzzie and New Zealand residents who entered footlockerarprize.com could choose from a selection of pre-drawn templates, colour them in and submit them to an online gallery. The pre-drawn templates were made up of a number of iconic sneaker designs and brands, including Converse, Nike Air and Puma. Foot Locker elevated sneaker art to fine art and gave people a new platform for self-expression.
Submissions could be viewed in an online gallery, where viewers could comment on artwork and share it through social media channels. Foot Locker stores were also converted into mini galleries to showcase the finalists.
The jury panel consisted of artist Dave White, critic Andrew Frost and Simon ‘Woody’ Wood, founder of Sneaker Freaker magazine.
Check out the link to view the finalists.
Winners
Kalin Thompson, a 24-year-old artist from Brisbane won the $50,001 prize. Kalin also took out the People’s Choice award of $1,500. And as part of his overall prize, Kalin received a one-off pair of Air Force 1’s based on his artwork and customised by Sekure D.
The under 13 winner was Jason Absolom from Tasmania for his ‘Steampunk Style’ sneaker and Harvey Daines from New South Wales took out the under 18 category for ‘Cherry Blossom Dragon’. Along with Kalin who won the open category, they were each awarded a $1,000 Foot Locker voucher and have a promising future ahead of them.
