Created in partnership with Rakuten, brought together thousands of custom sneaker artists from across the US and Europe. With Rakuten’s support, the competition became one of the largest creator-driven sneaker showcases ever produced, giving emerging artists a platform on a global stage. From thousands of entries, just 100 creators were shortlisted by a world-class judging panel featuring leaders across sport, design, music, and sneaker culture. These Top 100 designs formed the Art of the Game Official Collection - a rare, curated snapshot of sneaker culture at its most innovative. The journey concluded in San Francisco, where the finalists were flown out for a filmed finale with the Judges. This finale marked a milestone moment: a celebration of creators, culture, and the evolution of custom sneakers as a legitimate art form. Now, for the first time ever, you can own a piece of this history. Each Top 100 sneaker - whether the original pair or a made-to-order version in your size - represents a creator who rose above thousands to earn their place in this landmark Rakuten x Stephen Curry series. This isn’t just a sneaker. It’s a piece of the Art of the Game legacy - and a chapter in the future of sneaker culture.
Creation of the Game
Product Details
The inspiration behind my design comes from several things. The first being my love for fine art. I am not normally a shoe customizer, I am normally drawing or painting on canvas (shout-out CANVVS). Since I am studying fine art, I am often shown references to master paintings. These paintings frequently reveal to me how I can level up my craft and skills. After the past year and a half at Atelier Dojo, the lens through which I see art has completely changed. For this competition, I wanted to relate to anyone who would be viewing the shoe.
The way that I knew how to do that was by incorporating a master painting that would be immediately identifiable to anyone viewing. I chose to use Michelangelo\'s \"The Creation of Adam\" for my inspiration. Originally, I was going to combine it with Van Gogh\'s \"The Starry Night\". However, I saw on social media that route was being taken. As a result, I covered my blue shoe as a true rookie would attempt days into the competition, and reorganized my idea into making \"The Creation of Adam\" my only painting focus. This worked to my benefit because while my original design looked good digitally, things were definitely competing for attention on the shoe. Also, I got to reflect on my love for The Creation of Adam painting. As a Christian, this painting has really spoken to me. In the original, the fingers are almost touching. God\'s finger is pointed toward Adam, but Adam\'s isn\'t quite there yet. Showing that God is always extending that invitation, willing to meet us where we are, and it\'s up to us to meet Him. The way that I changed the original into \"The Creation of the Game\" was mimicking a basketball pass. The left hand naturally appears like a ball-release, and the other hand catches the ball. At Church of Whitestone in Austin, TX, we often talk about our \"Why\". What is our why for being here? This is something each of us have been asked to reflect on. And for me, it is to create back to the Creator. To put it simply, to pass the ball back with the gifts I have been given. Thank you for allowing me this opportunity to create back!
Read the full story of the artwork
This product has been made by the Creator previously and is part of their amazing portfolio. The Creator has listed this item as available to remade for clients.
Additional customisation elements may be available.
Own The Art. Wear The Story.
Discover the Top 100 sneakers from the CANVVS Global Competition - designs hand-picked by our judges from thousands of entries worldwide. Each pair is created by a rising creator pushing the boundaries of art, culture and sneaker design.
By owning one, you’re not just buying a sneaker - you’re supporting emerging talent, championing creativity, and wearing a piece of global competition history.
A HISTORIC COLLABORATION
