I think many of us have heard about the Lil Nas X Satan Sneakers, but I only recently learned that they were created in collaboration with MSCHF, an internet collective. This makes a lot of sense if you are familiar with MSCHF’s other works. I find MSCHF really interesting (and relevant to our course) as their work sits on the fine line between art, satire, and social experiment. Their work often centers on commentary around commerce as well.
MSCHF embellished the sneakers with ink, custom stitching, a pentagram charm, and (allegedly) a drop of blood (which also reminds me of another work the “Ouroboros Steak” that also uses human cells and is meant to spark conversation). Nike alleges that MSCHF had tricked buyers and the public into believing Nike was “endorsing satanism.” In a defense against the lawsuit brought on by Nike, MSCHF says they “intended to comment on the absurdity of the collaboration culture practiced by some brands, and about the perniciousness of intolerance” and that it was a form of protected artistic commentary.
Source: The Verge
