Art in Shoes ~ Shoes in Art

Open until April 2012

For centuries shoes and shoemakers have inspired artists. From devotional depictions of the shoemaking saints to evocative interpretations of the elegant high heel, artists have explored footwear's rich symbolism and striking shapes in myriad artworks. This exhibition highlights the Bata Shoe Museum's own collection of shoe-related artworks from rare 15th century woodblock prints to whimsical 20th century sculptures.

	Silver Guild Cup This artefact comes from the shoemaker's guild in Zurich. The silver drinking cup in the shape of a boot is inscribed with the date 1590 and states that the cup was a gift from the shoemaker's guild in Zurich to the tanner's guild. Swiss, 1590. Collection of the Bata Shoe Museum
	Habit de Cordonnier by Gerard Valck Gerard Valck was inspired by Nicolas de Larmessin II's Grostesques: Habit d' Artifice and created even more fantastical costumes for his own prints. Here, shoes and shoemakers tools are cleverly used to construct the shoemaker's outfit. The cuffs of his jacket are decorated with pigs' bristles, his belt displays shoe lasts and his hat is comprised of fashionable shoes for men and women. Dutch, 1690s. Collection of the Bata Shoe Museum
	Confound the Fellow by M. Egerton published by Thomas McLean Tight boots were often the source of great merriment to 19th century caricaturists. This coloured etching shows a dandy attempting to get his feet into a pair of elegant but uncomfortable boots. The inscription reads New Boots Confound the Fellow Never Shall Get Them Off. English, 1827. Collection of the Bata Shoe Museum
	Steel Toe Boots #2 by Marilyn Levine Acclaimed Canadian ceramic artist, Marilyn Levine, crafted these steel-toed worked boots out of clay. Her remarkable ability to craft three dimensional works of trompe l'oeil in clay has garnered her international acclaim. The contrast between the reality of the hard fired ceramic and the image it projects as a comfortable well worn pair of leather boots is intriguing. Canadian, 1971. Collection of the Bata Shoe Museum

For more information, interviews or visuals, please contact:

Rosmarie Gadzovski
Marketing & Public Relations Manager, Bata Shoe Museum
416.979.7799 x225
rosmarie.gadzovski@batashoemuseum.ca

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