Bronte Wells
Wang Zhijun, a Beijing-based designer, creates pollution masks out of dismembered sneakers. Wang's unique masks are crafted from high-end sneakers, such as the Adidas Yeezy Boost 350 V2s designed by Kanye West. Wang's creations have attracted global attention, with one of his masks receiving a $5,000 bid on eBay China. Wang's goal is to raise awareness about the impact of pollution and spark conversations about environmental consciousness. Wang's masks are not only a statement piece but also a functional way to address the issue of pollution in his city.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Creator | Wang Zhijun |
| Creator's profession | Designer, artist |
| Creator's origin | Beijing, China |
| Creator's inspiration | Wang's interest in sneakers, Beijing's pollution problem, and his own difficulty breathing during outdoor runs |
| Materials | Dissected sneakers, imported filter valves |
| Sneaker brands used | Adidas, Nike, Puma, New Balance |
| Sneaker models used | Yeezy Boost 350 V2, Acronym x Nike Presto Mids, Faas, Climachill, Fresh Foam Zantes |
| Price | One mask attracted a bid of $5,000 on eBay China |
| Purpose | Raise awareness about pollution, showcase the potential for change using everyday items |
| Exhibitions | Hidari Zingaro gallery in Tokyo, Jerusalem Design Week, MoMA in New York (in the permanent collection since 2017) |
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What You'll Learn
- Wang Zhijun's sneaker masks are made from Yeezy Boost 350 V2s
- Wang's masks are crafted from the heel and upper parts of sneakers
- Wang's sneaker masks attracted a $5,000 bid on eBay China
- Wang's work aims to raise awareness of pollution in China
- Wang's clients include celebrities, artists, and big brands
Wang Zhijun's sneaker masks are made from Yeezy Boost 350 V2s
Wang's Yeezy mask was crafted from two halves of the shoes' orange and grey primeknit uppers. The sneaker's signature "SPLY 350" branding is visible on either side. Wang's unique creation attracted global attention when it received a bid for $5,000 on eBay China. The mask was crafted from a limited-edition pair of Adidas Yeezy Boost 350 V2s, which Wang had purchased for $700.
Wang's artistic approach to raising awareness about pollution is not limited to the Yeezy masks. He has also created masks from other popular sneakers, such as the Nike Air Max 90, ACRONYM Nike Air Presto, and Puma kicks. Wang's Instagram account gained significant traction after the Yeezy mask release, and he now has around 12,000 followers.
Wang's passion for tinkering with sneakers and creating something practical has resulted in him producing around 20 different pieces over the years. He first started using designer sneakers to make face masks in 2014. Wang's newest masks are crafted from Acronym x Nike Presto Mids, where he used the shape of the heel to fit over the wearer's mouth and nose.
Wang Zhijun's sneaker masks, particularly the one made from Yeezy Boost 350 V2s, have become a symbol of his artistic expression and a powerful tool to bring attention to the issue of pollution in Beijing.
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Wang's masks are crafted from the heel and upper parts of sneakers
Wang Zhijun, a Beijing designer, avid sneaker collector, and runner, creates pollution masks out of dismembered sneakers. Wang's interest in creating these masks arose from his passion for sneakers and his desire to address the pollution issue in Beijing, which often made it difficult for him to exercise outdoors.
Wang's unique masks are crafted from the heel and upper parts of sneakers, with the heel specifically shaped to fit over the wearer's mouth and nose. This innovative use of sneaker components allows Wang to create functional and fashionable masks. The upper parts of sneakers, particularly running shoes, offer lightweight, durable, and breathable material, making them ideal for mask-making.
Wang's creative process involves analyzing the shoe and determining how to utilize each part to craft something functional. He incorporates various elements of the shoe, such as laces, insoles, side panels, and tongues, into his designs. Each mask is a unique work of art, taking him around five days to create. Wang's attention to detail and dedication to his craft are evident in his intricate designs.
One of Wang's most notable creations is the mask crafted from the Adidas Yeezy Boost 350 V2s designed by Kanye West. This mask attracted global attention when it received a $5,000 bid on eBay China. The mask was crafted from the two halves of the shoe's orange and gray primeknit uppers, showcasing the "SPLY 350" branding on either side.
Wang's work extends beyond the Yeezy mask, as he has produced around 20 different pieces over the years. His clients include celebrities, artists, and big brands who appreciate the bespoke nature and promotional value of his creations. Wang's passion project has sparked conversations about pollution and the potential for using everyday items to drive change.
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Wang's sneaker masks attracted a $5,000 bid on eBay China
Wang Zhijun, a Beijing designer, runner, and avid sneaker collector, makes pollution masks out of dismembered sneakers. He started this project to draw attention to the pollution that has plagued Beijing, where he lives, for years. Wang's project gained global attention when a mask he made from a pair of limited-edition Adidas Yeezy Boost 350 V2s, designed by Kanye West, attracted a bid of $5,000 on eBay China.
Wang's Yeezy mask was crafted from two halves of the shoes' orange and gray primeknit uppers. The sneaker's signature "SPLY 350" branding is visible on either side of the mask. Wang has also cut up other brands to make his masks, including New Balance Fresh Foam Zantes, whose laces, upper mesh, and insoles can all be used to craft the masks. Wang's newest masks are crafted from Acronym x Nike Presto Mids. The designer used the shape of the heel to fit over the wearer's mouth and nose—a first in his designs.
Wang's passion for sneakers started when he was a teenager. He owns around 100 pairs of shoes, and while not all of them get dismembered, he does use parts from most of them to create his masks. He first started making the masks seven years ago, and since then, he has made almost 200 different pieces. Wang's girlfriend often models his masks, and while she initially couldn't understand why he would destroy a perfectly good pair of shoes, she now supports his project.
Wang's project has gained a lot of attention, with his Instagram account exploding after the Yeezy mask release. He now has around 12,000 followers and receives endless requests to sell his creations. However, Wang seems determined to keep the masks a passion project and is not interested in turning it into a mass-scale venture. He has stated that he is happy to collaborate with labels, but his main goal is to raise awareness about pollution and bring about change.
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Wang's work aims to raise awareness of pollution in China
Wang Zhijun, a Beijing-based designer, runner, and avid sneaker collector, creates pollution masks out of dismembered sneakers. His work aims to raise awareness of pollution in China, specifically in Beijing, where he lives.
Wang developed the idea for his unique masks after the smog in Beijing made it difficult for him to exercise outdoors. He started reading about pollution and decided to act, using his passion for sneakers as a medium. Wang's masks are crafted from high-end sneakers, such as the Adidas Yeezy Boost 350 V2s designed by Kanye West. One of his masks attracted a bid of $5,000 on eBay China, drawing global attention to his project.
Through his work, Wang hopes to make a personal statement about the impact of pollution and start a conversation among his peers. He believes that his masks not only make an impression but also demonstrate that everyday items can be used to bring about change. Wang's work has been exhibited in Tokyo and Jerusalem, and his pieces are now in the permanent collection of the MoMA in New York.
In addition to Wang's efforts, other initiatives have also aimed to raise awareness of pollution in China. For example, the Smog Free Project by artist and innovator Daan Roosegaarde featured a seven-metre-high Smog Free Tower, which provided clean air for citizens and travelled to several Chinese cities. The project aimed to engage people in China and make them part of the solution to the country's pollution problem.
China itself has also been taking in-depth efforts to combat pollution and improve its ecological environment. The government has set targets to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, decrease the intensity of PM 2.5 pollutants, and improve water and soil quality by 2025. These initiatives demonstrate a growing awareness of environmental issues and a commitment to addressing them.
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Wang's clients include celebrities, artists, and big brands
Wang Zhijun, a Beijing designer, creates pollution masks out of dismembered sneakers. Wang's unique masks have attracted global attention, with one of his creations, a mask made from a pair of limited-edition Adidas Yeezy Boost 350 V2s designed by Kanye West, receiving a $5,000 bid on eBay China. Wang's clients include celebrities, artists, and big brands, who are drawn to his bespoke and promotional collections.
Wang's work extends beyond the Yeezy mask, with the designer having produced around 20 different pieces since 2014. He has crafted masks from various sneaker brands, including Acronym x Nike Presto Mids, New Balance Fresh Foam Zantes, and Puma Faas. Wang's artistic approach and statement about pollution have gained recognition, with his works exhibited in Tokyo and Jerusalem and included in the permanent collection of the MoMA in New York.
Wang's clients include celebrities such as Hong Kong actor and singer Lok Yue and Jeff Staples, a Chinese-American designer and sneaker collector. Wang's Instagram account, which now boasts 12,000 followers, has played a significant role in attracting attention to his creations. Wang's followers actively request to purchase his masks, demonstrating their popularity and the engagement of his audience.
The designer's clients also include artists. Wang himself is an artist who, through his sneaker masks, aims to raise awareness about pollution and encourage behavioural change. Wang's artistic statement is twofold: he uses high-end sneakers as a medium to make an impression and simultaneously conveys a message about the potential for everyday items to bring change. This dual message resonates with his audience and attracts those who can afford his bespoke creations, including celebrities, artists, and big brands.
Big brands, such as Puma, have also been clients of Wang's. Puma was one of the first companies to send Wang free sneakers to dissect and include in their global campaign, featuring his pollution mask. Wang's collaboration with Puma helped elevate his work and gain wider recognition. Additionally, Wang's masks have been exhibited and included in the permanent collections of prestigious art institutions, further enhancing their appeal to big brands.
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Frequently asked questions
Wang's sneaker pollution masks are not for sale. One of his masks, made from a pair of Kanye West-designed Adidas Yeezy Boost 350 V2s, attracted a bid of $5,000 on eBay China.
Wang's masks are made from dismembered sneakers. He has used sneakers from brands like Adidas, Nike, New Balance, and Puma. Wang analyses the shoe and tries to make use of each part to create something functional.
Wang, a runner and avid sneaker collector, was inspired to create the masks after experiencing the smog in Beijing, which made it difficult for him to exercise outdoors. He aims to raise awareness about pollution and spark conversations about environmental consciousness.
Wang's masks are not available for purchase as they are bespoke creations for celebrities, artists, and big brands. However, you can follow his work on Instagram, where he has gained attention for his unique designs.
