The Form, Function, and Art of a Shoe 

Calling all shoe and fashion lovers! Step out with SCAD FASH as the fashion museum presents “Form & Function: Shoe Art by Chris Francis,” an exhibition of iconic footwear by the Los Angeles-based designer. 

Chris Francis blurs the line between fashion and art, crafting sculptural, even architectural, designs characterized by unconventional techniques, strong colors, bold shapes and sharp lines. Influenced by the early 20th-century Bauhaus school of design, he manipulates a wide range of uncommon shoemaking materials such as glass, concrete, metal and plastic. “Form & Function” approaches Francis’ work expressively as wearable art, presenting a selection of designs that channel the rebellious, DIY spirit of the punk rock movement. 

A self-taught shoe designer, Francis is a former art student, graphic designer, and carpenter, and has tailored those skills to the shoemaking discipline. Unable to secure an apprenticeship within the contemporary shoemaking community in Los Angeles, he sought out time-honored, immigrant artisans, acquiring their vintage machines and tools to learn the trade for himself. 

This is the first time Francis’ work will be shown in Atlanta. Previously , he has had a solo exhibition at Craft Contemporary, Los Angeles, and has participated in group exhibitions at the Palm Springs Art Museum and Richmond Art Center, California. His designs have been featured in Vogue, Metropolis magazine, and Ornament magazine, among others. “Form & Function: Shoe Art by Chris Francis” is curated by Rafael Gomes, director of fashion exhibitions.

Learn more at scadfash.org.

[Artwork credit: Chris Francis, “Shoe Machine,” painted leather, leather, wood and rubber, 2015]

WHAT

“Form & Function: Shoe Art by Chris Francis”

WHEN

On view now until December 8, 2019

WHERE

SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film

1600 Peachtree St. NW

Atlanta, Georgia 

scadfash.org

Related Posts

Holiday Gift Guide: Treat the Ones on Your Nice List

By Mikkel Hyldebrandt The holidays are the perfect time to...

Even if You’ve Been Naughty, It’s Nice To Have a New Gay Doc In Town

By Brian McGuire Photo: Russ Youngblood This holiday season, Atlanta welcomes...

The 2024 Atlanta Santa Speedo Run

By Mikkel Hyldebrandt Last year, Joining Hearts became the beneficiary...

Toy Party – Atlanta’s Favorite Holiday Fundraiser

By Mikkel Hyldebrandt The Toy Party & Silent Auction by...