SNEAKERS: adidas Originals Superstar
In line with International Women’s DayChange is a Team Sport, adidasadidas Originals opened up the XCHANGE Space in Berlin’s Kreuzberg neighbourhood to provide a collaborative platform for young female artists to work together in a studio. The project is an attempt to start a dialogue concerning the under-representation of women in the art industry.
In a series, SLEEK spoke to a selection of the participating artists. The first in the series is Darmstadt-born oil painter Atusa Jafari, who discusses the background, inspirations and significance of the enterprise below.
On the emotional effect of her art
“I’m an oil painter, and for me the canvas is where my brain and heart can meet and I can release my feelings and emotions.”
“My friends, and particularly my family, play a significant role in my artwork because of how they inspire me.”
On addressing underrepresentation in the art world
“Representation and being able to give an authentic platform to my art is very important for me, art has nothing to do with how good you are or whether you get attention or not.”
“There are so many artists who are literally bubbling with talent, but lack the space to show it to the world. Projects like this make these hurdles disappear and create new opportunities.”
On the adidas XCHANGE platform
“I haven’t had a lot of female painters around me before, and having the opportunity to work with so many interesting artists is key part of growing creatively — I’m excited to have a creative environment where we can inspire each other.”
The health of artists, adidas partners and fellow human beings is a top priority for adidas. In light of the global spread of COVID-19 and the need to protect the adidas family, the team have had to close the XCHANGE space in Kreuzberg until further notice. Even though the studio will remain closed, adidas will continue to support the artists and remains committed to increasing the visibility of women in the art scene by working together.
CREDITS
Photography: Lucas Christiansen
Styling: Leonie Volk
Hair and makeup: Victoria Reuter
Photographer’s assistant: Max Zimmermann