In these Scarpe shoes by Alasdair Thomson, the mundane is elevated to a status of grandeur by an unusual choice of material. The Scottish classical sculptor is known for his reproductions of ordinary items of clothing that are executed in high-quality quarried stone.
A pair of old, well-worn running shoes might have been inspired by a donated set from one of the artist's friends. It is often these sorts of pre-loved objects that become the subjects of Thomson's work. In this case, blocks of gorgeous Cambrian marble have been chipped away and smoothed out to take the shapes of warped footwear, complete with holes for the threading through of shoelaces. Where the gray veins in the rock of the Scarpe shoes have an elegant aesthetic in formal sculpture, here they rather resemble streaks of dirt.
Solid Stone Sneakers
The Scarpe Shoes are Made from Marble to Mimic Old Worn Kicks
Trend Themes
1. Marble Fashion - Using marble as a material in fashion offers a disruptive innovation opportunity for designers to create unique and luxurious clothing items.
2. Repurposed Objects - Transforming pre-loved objects into works of art presents a disruptive innovation opportunity for artists to redefine the concept of beauty and value.
3. Sustainable Sculpture - Creating sculptures from quarried stone promotes sustainability in the art industry and opens up new possibilities for eco-friendly artistic expressions.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion - The use of unconventional materials like marble in fashion presents an opportunity for designers to create avant-garde clothing and accessories.
2. Art - Repurposing ordinary objects, such as worn-out sneakers, as art pieces offers artists a chance to challenge traditional notions of art and create thought-provoking works.
3. Sculpture - Utilizing quarried stone in sculpture not only adds a unique aesthetic, but also promotes sustainable practices and enhances the value of traditional artistic techniques.