To celebrate the iconic AF1’s 40th anniversary, Nike looks to lead with community heroes to create a space that proudly brings out collective force.
In celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the iconic Air Force 1, Nike will host a three-day (23 – 25 September 2022) exhibition at Gallery On 4th in Melville for guests to witness the collective power of force rooted in the community.
In the spirit of collaboration, Nike plans to revive the gallery along with the chosen heroes, DBN Gogo, Wanda Lepotho, and Anthony Bila.
The weekend-long exhibition will showcase a variety of work from community heroes and pieces from emerging artists who, together with established creatives, express what it means to ‘Be True ‘ in South Africa.
WANDA LEPHOTO
DBN GOGO
ANTHONY BILA
The first day, 23 September 2022 is set for the launch and will be accompanied by the weekend visits (24th and 25th) of the exhibition and campaign highlighting the core of Air Force 1.
For the launch, guests will have an opportunity to hear from the chosen protagonists, DBN Gogo, Wanda Lepotho, and Anthony Bila, as they dive deeper into the stories—and will be introduced to five (5) upcoming talented individuals identified by them—showcased at Gallery on 4th.
The idea of bringing together an interactive and real-life experience was inspired by one of Nike’s classic and iconic moments which debuted at Gallery on 4th 12 years ago. Gallery on 4th has evolved from its original vision of being a venue for exhibiting the work of established and up-and-coming artists whose work represented what it meant to “Be True”, and has now become a collective voice of and for the creatives.
DBN Gogo, Wanda Lepotho, and Anthony Bila—their stories began in the places that helped shape them, by authentically using the voices of creative catalysts to pay homage to community shelters that continue to fuel the spirit of unreasonable belief among our youth.
All three of the heroes—Anthony Bila, DBN Gogo, and Wanda Lephoto—are acquainted with the value of teamwork in fostering community.
Anthony Bila, the multidisciplinary artist, further highlighted how he’s proud of his origin story. “I found safety in my creativity and community, it kept me occupied and inspired, it kept me dreaming about seeing the world and those closest to me kept encouraging me. As much as creativity saved me, community made me”
NIKE AIR FORCE 1 LOW “FEEL FREE, LET’S TALK”
The Nike Air Force 1 Low “Feel Free, Let’s Talk” will be available for purchase at Gallery on 4th (Melville) on Saturday, 24th September 2022. The retail price is set at R2 799,00.
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