Brock DeBoer, a sculptor based in Los Angeles, transforms commonplace items and cultural icons into porcelain artworks, recasting them as cherished keepsakes. His creations range from Air Jordan sneakers to basketballs, each familiar contemporary shape meticulously crafted from delicate china. Adorned with classic cobalt designs and gold accents, these pieces artfully merge historical aesthetics with present-day forms.
The selection of porcelain, a material historically associated with luxury in both Eastern and Western traditions, underscores DeBoer’s artistic intent. By translating ordinary objects into enduring sculptures imbued with cultural significance, he pays homage to the personal histories and narratives embedded within the items we encounter daily. As the artist notes, the inherent value we ascribe to materials enhances an object’s desirability, and his craft allows him to explore this phenomenon by recreating these forms.
DeBoer’s sculptural choices often reflect objects that once played a role in daily life, experiencing use and eventual disposal. Through his artistic process, he revitalizes these familiar shapes, granting them a newfound permanence and worth. His Air Jordan 1 sculptures, complete with gold Nike swooshes and tags, exemplify this, underscoring the cultural importance of sneaker collecting by elevating celebrated footwear to the realm of fine art. This act of preserving memories through an archival material prompts reflection on the inherent value of objects that often transcends their monetary worth.
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