CULTURE ART + SOLE
COLLECTIVE SOLE Words: Nick Hanekom
PF Flyers laces sneakers and art even closer together with Art and Sole 2010—an art shoe project and auction taking place across Canada during August and September. With no-fewer than 40 artists on the roster, it’s of little surprise that this four-city art project is gearing up to be one of the most influential events of the season. There are no limitations set on the background, or the approach of the contributing artists; the common goal is a simple one: put a unique twist on the classic sneaker silhouette. Forty per cent of the proceeds from Art and Sole 2010 will be donated to various organizations around Canada; the rest goes back to the artists—some of whom we’ve profiled below. [artandsole2010.tumblr.com] [1] Lupe Martinez Born in Buenos Aires in 1980, Lupe Martinez is a talented Vancouverbased illustrator, painter and conceptual artist. Her work ranges from dream-like landscape paintings to textile-based installations that are founded on a philosophy that art is a medium for creating awareness and igniting the exploration of one’s inner self. With a BFA at the National University of Arts (IUNA), the 30-year-old artist has an extensive list of exhibitions to her name, not to mention a stint at Emily Carr in 2007, as well as myriad workshops and seminars in Europe, South America and Canada. Today the award-winning artist works from her permanent studio at the Dynamo. [www.lupe-martinez.com] [2] Zema Lam Comic-cum-pop artist Zema Lam calls Montreal home and as such, the streets are adorned with her unique graffiti murals and
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illustrations. Working in tandem with husband Frank Lam, the multidisciplinary artist is as comfortable painting in Montreal’s back alleys as she is with canvas and other media. Her style has been described as “pop-surrealist” and “lowbrow cartoon-trash,” yet whichever way you choose to look at it, Zema is on the cutting edge of Canada’s contemporary arts movement. From video to graphic design and everything in between, Zema’s creations are exaggerated and emotive. There is simply no avoiding the charming allure of her work. [www.zema-ink.com]
Award for best packaging, the young artist is on the fast track to great things. Her work is both multi-faceted and vivid, without being overly involved or complex. It is therefore no wonder that the likes of Exclaim Magazine and Element Skateboards are commissioning work from this bright young star. Along with her work in books and magazines, Juliana is preparing for her first solo show, which will be hosted by Toronto’s Sleeping Giant gallery in September. [www.juliananeufeld.com]
[3] Andrew Tong Vancouver’s own Andrew Tong is a fine artist in every sense. Born and raised in London, England, Andrew is a graduate of Reigate School of Art and Design and has had a pencil or paint brush in-hand from an early age. His work varies from the fantastic to the horrific and captures the imagination in a twisted fashion. Each image, character or scene has a life unto itself. And while his work is technical and multi-layered, Andrew creates portraits and still-life studies that are approachable and enticing. Well versed in the ways of the Old Masters, Andrew Tong brings a philosophy of exploration and self-discovery to the masses. [www.andrewtongart.com]
[5] Peru Dyer An avid traveller and linguist, Peru Dyer (aka Peru143) is originally from Lima, Peru, but he now calls Montreal home. His moniker, as you might gather, is an homage to the country of his birth; the ‘143’ inspired by the self-assigned number of the home he grew up in. Now firmly entrenched in the Canadian art world, the freelance illustrator and muralist is making his indelible mark on the streets and in galleries alike. His work ranges from vibrantly colourful lettering and pop-art characters on the streets to images of geometric shapes and figure studies on canvas and paper. A humanitarian at heart, Peru Dyer gives particular focus to issues affecting the environment and aims to “educate and inspire” through his God-given talent. [www.peru143.com]
[4] Juliana Neufeld Torontonian Juliana Neufeld is a talented artist whose illustrations, paintings and mixed-media creations grace the pages of many local and international magazines, packages and gallery spaces. Recently voted the winner of Applied Arts Magazine’s Photography and Design
[6] Calen Knauf This resident of East Vancouver is an industrial design student at Emily Carr who finds great pleasure in examining the natural and built spaces that surround him. A self-described ‘stickler for furniture,’ Calen has been featured in numerous ‘creative spaces’ profiles—his