The Air Force’s propensity to connect with a broad range of people across time and geographic positioning is well documented and undeniable. With almost 2000 unique AF1 colourways in existence, the materials, construction and execution of this year’s anniversary model acknowledge the past while at the same time gently stating that there’s more to come.
The last Friday of September saw the launch of the 40th Anniversary edition of the iconic model, with local creatives Wanda Lephoto, Anthony Bila and DBN Gogo along with a range of young creatives in the space, showing work and being present to interact with the event attendees. Each community hero took on the task of identifying and platforming the work of upcoming artists from their communities, presenting these outputs as ones in the same realm as their own and giving back to the spaces that made them.
The space in question, formally Gallery on 4th, played host to some of the first-ever influencer, media and seeding events in the city and establishing a blueprint for these types of spaces for years to come. The building was found abandoned days earlier and redone in record time as a non-negotiable for the launch. The sheer volume of work on display along with the framing of these outputs as ones that are valid and hold weight outside of the fact that they were on show there that night. In a room full of people engaged with what the creatives being showcased had to offer, attendees took to heart the shoe’s moniker “feel free let’s talk”.
The photographic exhibition, curated by Bila, saw multiple photographers showcased through an immersive and integrated display at the Gallery on 4th space with large-scale prints covering the walls of the gallery. DBN Gogo’s Zikode records showcased their impressive stable of up coming artists in a 5 CDJ back2back session that had everyone in awe and excited for what’s to come from the label. Lephoto’s offering took the form of an installation of young designers in the space, with interactive elements such as live models and clothing customisation on display alongside the young designers themselves as a means of bridging the gap between audience and artists.
The approach of identifying local heroes who then in turn identify people in their communities who they feel deserve a spotlight is a testament to the AF1 and its roots in communities across the world. The intent of giving a voice to the voiceless and highlighting the connective tissue of the community, a want to acknowledge the past and anticipate and celebrate an optimistic future, is one of great importance and one amplified by the space the event took place in.
A true testament to the power of joining forces, “feel free let’s talk” AF1 and its local event looks to mark and commemorate a life span of difference, change, adoption, rejection and scrutiny and whether you like it or not, it’s here to stay and so are we, a community drawn together by things we love, shining a light on those to come, excited and engaged in conversation and the common sentiment that a win for one is a win for all.
