Before Andy Warhol shocked art historians with his Coke Bottles and Brillo Box Sculpture, he kept himself busy designing advertisements for shoes. Another pioneer of the pop art movement, Claes Oldenburg, created a series of lithographs using sneaker laces as a theme. Unlike David White, however, neither Warhol nor Oldenburg grew up with their feet laced into a pair of Nikes.
David White was born in Liverpool, England in 1971, the same year that the Nike “swoosh” logo was introduced to the world. It was the beginning of a footwear revolution, one that would lead to the “great sneaker craze” of the 1980’s. Buying a pair of sneakers was becoming a more personal and intricate venture than the search for perfect blue jeans. Among the millions of sneaker wearers, a few emerged as more than just consumers - they were collectors, who assessed each new sneaker model for its classic design and artistic beauty. "I love them," exclaimed David White, "As works of art in their own right."
Nike Air Max '97 (unfinished)
Oil on Canvas
David White’s sneaker paintings immortalize the brands and styles he loves the most – the Nike Air Max '95, for instance, the design of which he describes as “Just pure and beautiful.” White’s Air Max '95 paintings have been snatched up by smart collectors and his collector base is growing, as the demand for his work increases.
Nike Air Max '95
Oil & Chrome on Canvas
50cm by 40cm
or 20" x 16"
available as a signed, limited edition print
White's first one man show in 1989 (he was just 18) attracted the attention of famous Liverpool poet, painter and art critic, Adrian Henri (1932-2000). With seasoned perception, Henri purchased one of David White's paintings and word quickly spread. The head of Liverpool's Tate Gallery made a special appointment to see the exhibition, which, not surprisingly, was a complete sellout and White was awarded “Best New Talent in Visual Arts.”
Three years and one art degree later, David White showed his work at the Royal College of Art in London, an exhibit that captured the interest of two major London art galleries. Before long, his paintings were hanging alongside the works of Hockney and Picasso in the prestigious Connaught Brown Gallery. The full impact of his popularity hit home when Sotheby's of London invited him to participate in the “Animals in Art” show. Live television appearances followed, as well as rave reviews in all the major newspapers and art journals. Collectors, some too famous to mention, were buying up White's paintings, and exhibitions in Europe and the Unites States followed.
...
Adidas Athen (available).....................................................Adidas Japan (available)
.......Oil on Canvas................................................................Oil & Chrome on Canvas
50cm x 40cm............................................................................50cm x 40cm
or 20" x 16"..............................................................................or 20" x 16"
David White’s talent crosses over into another discipline - music, which has historically lent itself to an appreciation for contemporary art. Under the alias "Lucky Strike", White has been a popular DJ with “Surreal Madrid”, a break-beat band with four singles, one album, twelve scratch needles and three mixers to its credit. White has graced stages alongside Fatboy Slim, the Basement Jaxx and Fun Lovin Criminals, to name a few.
This summer, the Galerie Wild in Frankfurt, Germany, known for its allegiance to pop art greats, will exhibit White's work (heads up to our many German readers). Both “Elle” and “Trace” plan to run features about him during this calendar year.
As consumers of all ages wait for the latest hot sneaker to hit the market, there will be no shortage of inspiration for artist/documentarian, David White. He will be there in his unique pop revivalist style, painting the sneakers he collects, wears and loves while breaking down the barriers between art and life.
Nike Waffle
Oil & Chrome on Canvas
50cm x 40cm
or 20" x 16"
available as a signed, limited edition print
FOLDING SCREENS: THE ONLINE
SOURCING GUIDE FOR FOLDING SCREENS
