Sean Wotherspoon and Shohei Ochiai Share Closer Look at Collaborative Collection

Featuring an artistic reinterpretation of Wotherspoon’s adidas Gazelle “Hemp” in the form of prints, shirts and other collectibles.

Artworks

Just days after launching a collaborative collection with Tokyo-based vegan American Chinese restaurant Oscar, Sean Wotherspoon has announced a collaboration with artist Shohei Ochiai — known for his nostalgic and youthful paintings.

Notably, inspiration for the collection stems from Wotherspoon’s adidas Gazelle “Hemp” and includes a range of items, all of which feature a 2D example of the shoe in Ochiai’s signature style. Items featuring the artwork include an original example by the artist, a limited run of 50 prints, a stack of posters, as well as a tee shirt, tote bag, pillowcase and keychain.

Speaking on how he met Ochiai and what he appreciates about his work, Wotherspoon said to Hypebeast “I met Ochiai on IG through DM! I found his work through the Joopiter auctions where he did some work for them. I then slid in his DM as a fan looking to buy originals!” As for the work, he added “I love his focus on 90’s pop culture, this resonates with me. I also love how he creates depth and layers within the work. You really have to see his art in person to appreciate it to the highest level. It’s unreal.”

While Wotherspoon and Ochiai had a number of shoes to choose from, both landed on the Gazelle Hemp, largely because of its various details and because the artist wanted something to challenge himself with. “I know he’s very proud of how the cork insole and stitching on the hemp turned out on his piece. I’m just as hyped,” shared Wotherspoon.

Ochai added to this, stating “I like everything about it, but what I especially like is the white stitching that runs throughout the upper. The stitches create an appealing flow and are very beautiful. I like nature and the design of these shoes is close to the beauty of nature, such as plants, water and the flow of rivers. The color is also one of my favorite elements; the slightly darker green reminds me of the depth of nature.”

Sharing more on his process, Ochai highlighted that he will generally start with 5 rough sketches on paper and that once he decides on the shape to a certain extent, will begin the actual drawing. For the primary drawing, he begins with a 4B pencil, applying maximum pressure, so much so that even if he were to erase, it would leave a mark.

“The way I capture my subjects is to combine in one painting the images that I think are beautiful and that I want to draw from various perspectives. It’s not a technique, but when I correct a painting, I paste paper over it. The more they overlap, the more they become layers and become like a terrain model,” the artist explained further — examples of this method can be found in the gallery above but Ochai insists it is best observed in person.

For those interested in collecting or viewing items from the collaboration, a limited number of prints and posters will be available at 2G, an art toy and apparel store inside the PARCO Shibuya shopping mall, from March 1-3. A limited portion of the collection will also be available online, via GQ Japan.

Read Full Article

What to Read Next

Bangkok's Tallest Building Hosts Medicom Toy CEO's Latest Exhibition
Exhibitions

Bangkok's Tallest Building Hosts Medicom Toy CEO's Latest Exhibition

Titled AKASHIC RECORDS, featuring a range of exclusive BE@RBRICK collectibles.

George Condo and Avant Arte Collaborate on Three Silkscreen Prints
Artworks

George Condo and Avant Arte Collaborate on Three Silkscreen Prints

Each limited to an edition of 150.

A New Book Pays Homage to London's Legendary Dragon Bar
Artworks

A New Book Pays Homage to London's Legendary Dragon Bar

The 300-page book traces the venue’s impact on the city’s pioneering street artists.

Wolfgang Tillmans Reflects on Time and Temporality in New Exhibition
Exhibitions

Wolfgang Tillmans Reflects on Time and Temporality in New Exhibition

Opening at David Zwirner Hong Kong next month.

The 'Art of the Brick’ LEGO Exhibition Returns to London
Exhibitions

The 'Art of the Brick’ LEGO Exhibition Returns to London

Opening in Brick Lane on March 6.


The Hole’s Latest Group Show Will Send Chills Down Your Spine
Exhibitions

The Hole’s Latest Group Show Will Send Chills Down Your Spine

‘Horripilation’ is on view at its Bowery location and features work by Alic Brock, Rita Maikova, Tim Brawner and more.

Monarch Is Fostering a Unique Community Through Art Collectibles
Exhibitions

Monarch Is Fostering a Unique Community Through Art Collectibles

Launching a new fair format called Blending Worlds.

Hypeart & Bonhams Announce 'Instructions for a Memory Device' Auction
Auctions

Hypeart & Bonhams Announce 'Instructions for a Memory Device' Auction

Amidst the vibrant atmosphere of Frieze Art Week 2024 in Los Angeles.

Paris Has a New Rare Art Book and Vinyl Destination
Events

Paris Has a New Rare Art Book and Vinyl Destination

The ANTI PUBLIC LIBRARY is a hybrid store-bar located in the city’s Le Marais district.

Mexican Artists Craft Beautiful Handmade Caps for Clase Azul Mezcal San Luis Potosí
Artworks

Mexican Artists Craft Beautiful Handmade Caps for Clase Azul Mezcal San Luis Potosí

This artisanal release pays homage to San Luis Potosí, a culturally rich state in Mexico.

More ▾
 
We got you covered. Don’t miss out on the latest news by signing up for our newsletters.

Looks like you’re using an ad-blocker

We charge advertisers instead of our readers. Support us by whitelisting our site.

Whitelist Us

How to Whitelist Us

screenshot
  1. Click the AdBlock icon in the browser extension area in the upper right-hand corner.
  2. Under “Pause on this site” click “Always”.
  3. Refresh the page or click the button below to continue.
screenshot
  1. Click the AdBlock Plus icon in the browser extension area in the upper right-hand corner.
  2. Block ads on – This website” switch off the toggle to turn it from blue to gray.
  3. Refresh the page or click the button below to continue.
screenshot
  1. Click the AdBlocker Ultimate icon in the browser extension area in the upper right-hand corner.
  2. Switch off the toggle to turn it from “Enabled on this site” to “Disabled on this site”.
  3. Refresh the page or click the button below to continue.
screenshot
  1. Click the Ghostery icon in the browser extension area in the upper right-hand corner.
  2. Click on the “Ad-Blocking” button at the bottom. It will turn gray and the text above will go from “ON” to “OFF”.
  3. Refresh the page or click the button below to continue.
screenshot
  1. Click the UBlock Origin icon in the browser extension area in the upper right-hand corner.
  2. Click on the large blue power icon at the top.
  3. When it turns gray, click the refresh icon that has appeared next to it or click the button below to continue.
screenshot
  1. Click the icon of the ad-blocker extension installed on your browser.You’ll usually find this icon in the upper right-hand corner of your screen. You may have more than one ad-blocker installed.
  2. Follow the instructions for disabling the ad blocker on the site you’re viewing.You may have to select a menu option or click a button.
  3. Refresh the page or click the button below to continue.