It seems that even shoes can inspire some stunning artwork, as the RealFlex by Ora-Ito shows. Although there have been countless of art pieces that have involved shoes in one way or another before, this has got to be one of the first abstract takes on only part of a sneaker. By focusing on just one part, it ends up having its own identity apart from the shoe. In this case, that shoe is the Reebok RealFlex, which the installation was named after.
RealFlex by Ora-Ito centers on the iconic sneaker soles of this Reebok shoe. Made out of the natural acrylic stone material HI-MACS, the undulating shape gives it the false impression that it is flexible, just like the real sole.
RealFlex by Ora-Ito was created for a recent Wallpaper/Reebok exhibition in London.
Sole-Inspired Wallpaper
RealFlex by Ora-Ito Pays Tribute to the Iconic Reebok Shoe
Trend Themes
1. Sneaker-inspired Art - There is an opportunity for artists to create more abstract and unique pieces inspired by other popular shoe designs.
2. Abstract Product Design - Designers can explore focusing on specific parts of a product to create new and creative iterations leading to fresh approaches.
3. Sculptural Home Decor - Consumers are gravitating towards unique wall art and home decor, with artisanal craftsmanship being prioritized higher, resulting in a market for decorative home items that are more sculptural and conceptual.
Industry Implications
1. Art - Artists can experiment with different mediums and conceptual themes to create unique pieces with sneaker-inspired designs.
2. Design - Product designers can explore the potential of creating more abstract and innovative designs for popular products.
3. Home Decor - Companies in the home decor space can expand their product offerings to include more unique and sculptural pieces inspired by popular products, such as sneakers.