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.
Pioneers
Product Details
I created this pair of sneakers as a meeting point between two different kinds of pioneers. Vincent Van Gogh and Stephen Curry. One changed art. One changed basketball. Both did it by trusting themselves.
The right sneaker was inspired by flow, faith, and the feeling of something bigger. To me It represents belief, determination, and the quiet work nobody sees.
The left sneaker was inspired by being bright, bold, eye catching. It represents the confidence, growth, and letting your gift speak for itself.
Together, the shoes tell a story of creation and execution. How practice and passion guide a dream. Both were pioneers, an artist who saw the world differently and an athlete who plays the game differently.
I created these for people believed in themselves when nobody else did.
The process was extremely fun being able to dye and paint on these. I was inspired by my two favorite paintings. I wanted to make these the way Van Gogh would have, by hand without stencils, tape or airbrushes. Just mixing colors, placing them where I felt fit, and trying to flow with the design of the sneaker. They were a blast bringing to life and I hope everyone enjoys them. I appreciate everyone for taking a chance on myself and hope to continue forward!
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
