NikeLab X158 Shanghai / ICNCLST

Regional Relevance.

The Nike Air Force 1 is recognized as one of basketball’s classic sneakers and a streetwear standard. It was designed in 1982 and worn by some of the NBA’s elite. Today it is seen as a cultural staple and regarded as one of Nike’s best designs in footwear.

As part of their year-long celebration of the Air Force 1 and its 35th Anniversary, NikeLab China reached out to us in search of a photographer who could capture the historic backstory of this iconic shoe and represent its impact on youth culture and the sport of basketball in China.
 

An Immersive Attack.

The trip, which included visits to Shanghai, Chongqing and Chengdu, was planned around the theme “culture of sport” and gave 13thWitness a chance to personally showcase Chinese culture and provide his unique perspective on this powerful Nike product.
 

Culmination of Creativity.

The results from his more than 10-day excursion were showcased at a photo exhibition titled FORCE in the NikeLabX158 store in Shanghai.
 

FORCE offered and in-depth look at the energy that emanates from urban culture throughout China and its ever-growing desire for the sport of basketball. The exhibition featured over 20 new works from the 13thWitness library, including iconic shots of basketball courts in Harlem and his most recent selections from that week’s trip through China.
 

In addition to the exhibition, NikeLab China and 13thWitness co-hosted a photo challenge with local photographers from Shanghai, awarding prizes to the three best photos selected by 13thWitness. The prize? A custom, 13thWitness ‘friends-and-family’ Air Force 1.