ARTFUL ANOMALY: SNEAKER ART BY SNEAK NO MORE

The Baagh Shoe, Sneak No More, available at https://www.sneaknomore.com/

From their modest origins in the mid-19th century to high-end custom pieces worn by everyone in the past decade, sneakers have become a global obsession. Premium sneakers are ubiquitous on the feet (and Instagram feeds) of movie stars, social media influencers, celebrities, and tastemakers around the world, while exclusive collaborations by the geniuses of Virgil Abloh, Tiffany & Co, Tom Sachs, and Rei Kawakubo, and contemporary artists like Damien Hirst, Takashi Murakami, and KAWS releasing novel interpretations of the sneaker – have fuelled a market set to grow exponentially over the coming years.

Read our Q & A as we catch up with the Founders – Anjana and Pranav, delving into their passion-filled quest to promote Indian art in a seminal way.

The Gully Shoe and the Jheel Shoe, available at https://www.sneaknomore.com/

Q & A WITH THE FOUNDERS

THOT: Tell us about how Sneak No More came about to be…

Anjana & Pranav: Sneak No More® is a homegrown brand with a lofty goal of putting Indian Art and upcoming Indian artists on the global map using sneakers as the canvas. We recognize the brilliant Indian artists who have been creating original masterpieces without the due appreciation. We promote these unsung artists through a dais that demonstrates that art has no limits.

Sneak No More® is a bold announcement to the world that Indian art is no longer limited to the norms and stereotypes. It is done sneaking around and is breaking barriers with pride to claim the recognition it deserves. We are here to support and promote Indian tribal, folk and contemporary artists with all our might - specifically those who unfortunately remain unacknowledged.

The Gully Shoe and the Jheel Shoe, available at https://www.sneaknomore.com/

Q & A WITH THE FOUNDERS

THOT: Tell us about how Sneak No More came about to be…

Anjana & Pranav: Sneak No More® is a homegrown brand with a lofty goal of putting Indian Art and upcoming Indian artists on the global map using sneakers as the canvas. We recognize the brilliant Indian artists who have been creating original masterpieces without the due appreciation. We promote these unsung artists through a dais that demonstrates that art has no limits.

Sneak No More® is a bold announcement to the world that Indian art is no longer limited to the norms and stereotypes. It is done sneaking around and is breaking barriers with pride to claim the recognition it deserves. We are here to support and promote Indian tribal, folk and contemporary artists with all our might - specifically those who unfortunately remain unacknowledged.

THOT: What was the idea behind the brand?

Anjana: Pranav and I share a passion for sneakers, but we come from different professional backgrounds - he has experience in hospitality while I specialize in branding and graphic design. We've both noticed a growing demand for custom, one-of-a-kind sneakers, but many of the design ideas seem to center around pop culture references.

Our startup idea aims to change that by highlighting the richness of Indian art and culture through a unique medium: sneakers. Our goal is to showcase the work of talented Indian artists and give them a platform to shine. By incorporating elements from traditional Indian art forms onto modern sneakers, we hope to create a new canvas that can both celebrate our heritage and appeal to a younger generation. Our vision is to preserve and promote the beauty of Indian art in a fresh and exciting way, allowing it to continue to thrive for years to come.

THOT: What was the idea behind the brand?

Anjana: Pranav and I share a passion for sneakers, but we come from different professional backgrounds - he has experience in hospitality while I specialize in branding and graphic design. We've both noticed a growing demand for custom, one-of-a-kind sneakers, but many of the design ideas seem to center around pop culture references.

Our startup idea aims to change that by highlighting the richness of Indian art and culture through a unique medium: sneakers. Our goal is to showcase the work of talented Indian artists and give them a platform to shine. By incorporating elements from traditional Indian art forms onto modern sneakers, we hope to create a new canvas that can both celebrate our heritage and appeal to a younger generation. Our vision is to preserve and promote the beauty of Indian art in a fresh and exciting way, allowing it to continue to thrive for years to come.

THOT: What is the inspiration behind these beautiful designs?

Anjana & Pranav: For our inaugural collection, we knew we had to draw inspiration from Udaipur, the breathtaking City of Lakes. To create truly authentic and meaningful designs, we reached out to some of the local miniature artists and were blown away by their incredible talent and creativity.

Our second collection took us on a journey to the tribal areas of Madhya Pradesh, where we discovered the unique and captivating Gond art style. We collaborated with skilled Gond artists to develop original designs for our sneakers, giving them complete creative freedom to showcase their years of experience and expertise.

At our core, we believe in celebrating and promoting the incredible art and culture of India through our products. By working closely with local artists and giving them the space to showcase their talents, we aim to create a truly unique and meaningful product that can be cherished for years to come.
 

THOT: How has the market response been since Sneak No More’s inception?

Anjana & Pranav: We are thrilled to see such a positive response to our initial collection, and we're excited to announce that we've been approached for some truly amazing collaborations. With Sneak No More, our ultimate goal is to showcase the breadth and depth of Indian art forms to a global audience.

As we continue to explore different Indian art styles and techniques, we are also working to build a network of talented and passionate Indian artists who can help us bring their art to the world. By fostering these collaborations and partnerships, we hope to raise the profile of Indian art on a global scale, and show the world the incredible talent and creativity that India has to offer. We believe that Sneak No More can be a platform to promote and celebrate India's rich artistic heritage, and we're committed to making that vision a reality. Our ultimate goal is to engage artists from all 28 states of the country.

THOT: Please talk us through your process…

Anjana & Pranav: Sadly, many of the talented artists we work with feel discouraged and overlooked, as their unique skills and styles go unrecognized and undervalued. Some worry that by passing on their knowledge to the next generation, they will be effectively ending their careers.

This is a heartbreaking situation, as these beautiful and distinctive art forms are in danger of being lost forever. We believe that it's crucial to act now and revive these styles before it's too late. India's rich and diverse culture is a source of pride for all of us, and we must do everything we can to ensure that these artistic traditions continue to thrive.

At Sneak No More, we are committed to showcasing every art pocket in the country and giving each one the attention and appreciation it deserves. With each new collection, we aim to engage and inspire a new generation of art enthusiasts, while also preserving the legacy of the artists who came before us. By raising awareness and promoting the incredible artistry of India, we hope to spark a renewed interest and appreciation for these magnificent cultural treasures.
 

THOT: Tell us about your newest collection

Anjana & Pranav: We are working on a new collection with the Gond Tribe of Madhya Pradesh. Our next art exploration will happen in Kolkata. Stay tuned!

SHOP WITH ANJANA & PRANAV

Bearing an underlying artful aesthetic in their inherent form and function, discover the designers’ favourites from The House Of Things gallery below:

For more information visit the website: https://www.sneaknomore.com/