Contemporary abstract artist Gwen Murphy creatively upcycles old pairs of unwanted shoes into personified faces in her artwork series, ‘Foot Fetish.’ The series features numerous pairs of different shoes that Murphy has collected and playfully turned into different quirky faces.
Murphy’s unique shoe sculptures use the long shape of the shoe sole as the face structure and the front of the shoe as a clever headpiece. She upcycles old pairs of Converse sneakers, ballet flats, high-heels and ballet shoes by covering them by hand in fabric paint. Inside the shoe she places hand-carved pieces of wood with interesting animal and human faces. Murphy’s abstract face characters look like they’d have some interesting personalities if they were to magically come to life.
Personified Footwear Sculptures
Artist Gwen Murphy Turns Old Shoes into Expressive Faces
Trend Themes
1. Upcycling - The trend of creatively repurposing used items into new and unique creations is on the rise, creating opportunities for sustainable and innovative businesses.
2. Abstract Art - The trend of using unconventional materials to create expressive and conceptual art forms is gaining popularity, providing opportunities for artists and galleries to showcase unique pieces.
3. Handmade Craftsmanship - The trend of valuing and appreciating handmade goods and craftsmanship is growing among consumers, providing opportunities for creative entrepreneurs to showcase their skills and offer unique products.
Industry Implications
1. Sustainable Fashion - The fashion industry can take notice of this trend and experiment with ways to incorporate upcycling and creative repurposing into their designs to offer a unique and sustainable approach to fashion.
2. Contemporary Art - Art galleries and museums can embrace this trend of using unconventional materials to create expressive works of art, providing opportunities for artists to showcase their unique pieces and for art enthusiasts to discover new forms of contemporary art.
3. Artisanal Crafts - Handmade craft markets and online platforms can tap into the trend of valuing handmade goods and craftsmanship, providing opportunities for small creative businesses and artisans to showcase their skills and offer unique handmade products.