The Art In Motion Collection features unique creative designs for the GEL-1130, NOVABLAST and JAPAN S sneakers and running shoe
Three Southeast Asian creatives in the spotlight for the ART IN MOTION COLLECTION - Kenji Chai (bottom right), tobyato (bottom left) and Ariyatanaporn. PHOTO: ASICS SINGAPORE
Singapore, 4 May 2022 - ASICS SPORTSTYLE announced last week the ART IN MOTION COLLECTION – a limited edition collection featuring three iconic ASICS SPORTSTYLE models, each taking on an exclusive design by a local Southeast Asian artist.
Following the GEL-LYTE III 30th anniversary campaign in 2020 where ASICS collaborated with 30 artists across Southeast Asia to put their creative spin on the iconic silhouette as artwork pieces, the ART IN MOTION COLLECTION BY ASICS SPORTSTYLE spotlights three creatives returning to collaborate for a collection designed and produced for Southeast Asia.
The collection marks ASICS SPORTSTYLE’s commitment to uplifting the creative community and culture across the Southeast Asia region by providing local creatives with a platform to showcase their craft.
Artist Kenji Chai designed the camouflage patterned sneakers for the GEL-1130. PHOTO: ASICS SINGAPORE
GEL-1130™
A unique spin on the classic GEL-1130™, the sneaker features an army camouflage pattern in the artist, Kenji Chai’s signature “Chaigo” colourway. As Kenji’s iconic alter ego character, “Chaigo” (Mandarin for stray dog) was created to capture his own story of survival on the streets to bring positive energy to the public.
With a strong desire to connect with people through his art, he hopes to inspire others to never stop chasing their dreams.
Kenji Chai's signature "Chaigo" colourway. PHOTO: ASICS SINGAPORE
Kenji was born and raised in the city of simplicity, Sandakan, and currently lives in Kuala Lumpur. From an early age, he immersed himself into the imaginative world of comics, cartoons and storybooks, inspiring his use of cute and vibrant characters through graffiti.
With over 10 years of graffiti experience and having worked with brands such as Netflix, Tiger Beer, Uniqlo and Volkswagen, Kenji has marked his legacy in cities all over the world, including Hong Kong, Singapore, Korea, China, and Taiwan.
He was also previously featured in the Malaysia Book of Records for creating the tallest graffiti mural in Kuala Lumpur.
Local artist tobyato with his asymmetrical black and white design NOVABLAST running shoes. PHOTO: ASICS SINGAPORE
NOVABLAST™
Drawing inspiration from the ancient Chinese philosophy of yin and yang, the NOVABLAST™ features an asymmetrical black and white design with a pop of pink and interchangeable velcro patches on the shoe tongue.
Designed by artist tobyato, it explores the delicate balance between black and white and the co-dependency between opposite elements- which discovers a synergy that is nothing short of exceptional.
The bold flowing tiger stripe motif on the shoe’s upper pays homage to the traditional Chinese belief that a tiger's breath creates the winds around the world, mirroring the flow of creativity throughout the world.
A delicate balance of black and white with tiger stripe motif is tobyato's design for the NOVABLAST. PHOTO: ASICS SINGAPORE
tobyato is an illustrator and visual artist over many mediums. From sprawling murals to artist-brand collaborations, his artworks are often bold, striking and inspired by traditional Chinese motifs and playful influences that reflect both his own heritage and personality.
As a lover of street culture, he has had the opportunity to work with brands such as ASICS, G-SHOCK, Shake Shack and Levi’s among others, steadily building a body of work that exemplifies the value of artist brand collaborations.
Thai artist Ariyatanaporn. PHOTO: ASICS SINGAPORE
JAPAN S™
Mirroring the aesthetic of a heritage basketball sneaker, the JAPAN S™ gives your feet and your mind a lift for every move. Incorporating her characteristic doodles, artist Irin Ariyatanaporn (Ann) brings varied textures and hues to the shoe to reflect the history of basketball materials.
From rough, traditional leather to the smooth, present-day ball and a cream colourway representing the indoor court, the JAPAN S is reimagined with a modern lens.
Artist Ariyatanaporn brings varied textures and hues to her basketball sneaker design. PHOTO: ASICS SINGAPORE
Irin Ariyatanaporn (Ann) is a Thai architect and professional doodler passionate about a variety of design disciplines - Architecture, Murals and Graphic Design.
She is most well-known for her mural art for Starbucks Reserve Chao Phraya Riverfront store in Bangkok and her book, "Irin café illustration Sydney", which is inspired by her love for coffee and cafes.
Irin is also the founder of her own multi-discipline studio called “Ari Studio” where she works on her illustration and Architectural design projects.
ASICS Art In Motion ambassadors Chase Tan, Chantelle Ng, and Zong Zijie. PHOTO: ASICS SINGAPORE
PRICING AND AVAILABILITY
The ART IN MOTION BY ASICS SPORTSTYLE COLLECTION retails for $229, $189 and $149 for NOVABLAST™, GEL-1130™ and the JAPAN S™ respectively. It is available for purchase from 28 April at ASICS.COM, ASICS stores (Plaza Singapura, Jewel, Vivocity, Suntec City, Nex & Westgate), Foot Locker Orchard Gateway and the 3-day pop-up store at Alchemist @ Design Orchard (from 29 April to 1 May).
To find out more about the collection, you may visit this link here.
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