This season we set out to provoke the traditional gallery environment and question the definition of high art through a more playful and contemporary lens. Taking inspiration from JW Anderson’s love of toys and the exuberant figures of Ron Nagle’s sculptures, we created an expandable kit of blocks that disrupts the relationship between plinths, vitrines, and art.

Each configuration of blocks and sneaker is inspired by a Ron Nagle sculpture. The juxtaposition of colors and textures from the same reference point creates a cohesive dialogue between the exhibitor (the plinth) and the exhibited (the sneakers).

Instead of a clinical and sterile environment, we wanted to produce a “playground” where visitors are free to interact with the colorful and sculptural plinths and sneakers through sitting, touching, and exploring.

Project: JWA Toy Retail Directive
Date: August 2018
Design Lead: Justin Jiang