Konrad Tenwolde

BFA in Art & Design

Hail X Grail

Shoes tell stories. They correlate lived experiences through the idea of footsteps, and the course one takes. Hail x Grail represents my unique path to the University of Michigan and my experience with footwear. I expand upon the practice of "shoefiti," which is when a person leaves behind shoes in any location to make a statement. I utilized the lost-wax process to cast bronze and transform the transient object into one of high permanence. I was inspired by my uncle Konrad and his Air Jordans. I became immersed in sneaker and basketball culture, leading me to art. Hail x Grail is the culmination of these relationships and a symbol of accomplishment. What do your shoes mean to you? What stories do they tell?

Fragments of the bronze casting process.


Air Jordan 1's cast in solid bronze, size 12 with blue sky, clouds, and telephone wire.

Air Jordan 1 / Cast Bronze / Patina

In an angled view of signed heel caps, the left reads KT and the right says 1/1. Another photograph shows a dynamic profile view of the shoes in matte and mirror finishes.

Signed 1 of 1
Air Jordan 1 / Cast Bronze / Patina

The Air Jordan wings logo and Nike swoosh are magnified, along with a close-up view of shoelaces and herringbone sole.

Air Jordan 1 / Cast Bronze / Patina

The Nike swoosh reflects sunlight, collaged with blue sky and telephone wire.

Air Jordan 1 / Cast Bronze / Patina

Creases and grain of leather are preserved in polished bronze, molded from worn metallic blue Air Jordan 1's.

Air Jordan 1 / Cast Bronze / Patina

Blue sky and sunlight layered behind solid bronze Air Jordan 1's.

Air Jordan 1 / Cast Bronze / Patina

Two photographs show cropped views of the heel and tongue, polished bronze highlights, and a black patina in recessed areas.

Air Jordan 1 / Cast Bronze / Patina

A pair of cast bronze Air Jordan sneakers hang in front of a projected sky and telephone wires.

Air Jordan 1 / Cast Bronze / Patina / Video Projection

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