Mana Contemporary Opens Two New Exhibitons This Week
This week, the Mana Contemporary in Jersey City will be hosting two new exhibitions. Over the years, the Mana Center has positioned itself to be a leading institution in fostering new and innovative arts. The center aims to celebrate the creative process and collaboration.
The two exhibitions are “Out of Character” and “From the Feet Up: 50 Years of Sneaks & Beats”. These shows work together to recognize a larger motif in the fine art world. In essence, they both have a narrative of being incapable of being a fine art. These exhibitions focus on breaking that long-time stigma.
The “Out of Character” exhibit will give a historical context of cartoons not being recognized as a legitimate form of fine art. Similarly, the “From the Feet Up: 50 Years of Sneaks & Beats” investigates the contemporary narrative of sneakers not being a fine art. This historical and contemporary comparison is essential to pushing forward the acceptance of more mediums as fine art.
Out of Character
The exhibition will show a variety of subjects, styles and techniques ranging from stop-motion and hand drawn images to computer software. Additionally, two unique installations feature a live projection performance, as well as a “low tech” flip book.
The exhibit will also have some stand out artists. Including the installation “Western Spaghetti by pes, New York City Sketchbook” by the artist Willy Hartland. Another will be “The Lost Tribes of NYC” by Andy and Carolyn London. The “Out of Character Exhibit” is Co-curated by Greg Piergoli Gallery, and Will Hartland himself.
From the Feet Up: 50 Years of Sneaks & Beats.
The exhibition contextualizes 50 years of sneakers, while celebrating the intersection of sneakers and renowned rappers and athletes. Another focal point will be on technoloigical advancements and sustainability efforts that shaped the industry.
What makes this exhibit so compelling is the encompassing history of the sneaker. For the most part, some of the biggest revolutions coincide with the rise in hip-hop and streetwear culture. The collection will include collaborative sneakers by Tupac, Public Enemy, Run DMC, Beyonce, and Patrick Ewing.
“From the Feet Up: 50 Years of Sneaks & Beats” is curated by Brooklyn native Sean Williams. Williams has been interfacing with sneakers since he was a teenager. Notably, Williams helped co-found OSD LLC in 2007. Above all, the company strives to “Appreciate, educate, and elevate the sneaker industry”.
The Sneaker Highlights
Ewing Athletics- the brand created by famed NY Knick Center Patrick Ewing- released this special collaboration with Queens rap duo CNN to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their debut album called “The Ware Report”. Adidas began a partnership with “Parley for the Oceans” in 2015 that would kick off the brand’s initiative to produce a majority of its sneakers using the upcycled plastic waste sourced from Parley for the Oceans. Adidas has a goal to replace all the polyester used in its footwear making process by 2024.
Nike “Dunk High was released in 2015 to commerate 25th anniversary of De La Soul’s debut album “3 feet High and Rising”. Puma released the “Clyde” to commemorate the 30th Anniversary of Public Enemy’s 3rd studio album “Fear of a Black Planet”.
Over the years Williams has gained recognition for his efforts in the sneaker community. He’s been named in both Maxim’s and Complex Magazine’s “50 Most Influential People in Sneakers Right Now” lists. Williams has also become a ranking member of Business Insider’s “Power List: 28 Most Outstanding People of Color Transforming the Sneaker Industry”.
Both exhibitions will start their showings on April 12, 2023 at Mana Contemporary in Jersey City. The reception for the exhibits will be April 12 from 4pm to 7pm EST.