I’m a sucker for some well made corporate video content about some well made shoes. Conceptual space program sculptor Tom Sachs and Nike have a new edition (v 3.0) of the Mars Yard sneaker coming this fall. “We are a professional athletic team. I’m the captain. Our sport is sculpture.” Here’s Artnet on how you had to go through a completely absurd and over the top “hero’s journey” to get a version 2.0:
The Hero’s Journey begins at the Park Avenue Armory show, a young “street rat” lured away from her boring office job by a chance to join Sach’s space program. The film charts her progress as she battles physical challenges and mental demons to become a master fabricator, passing on her expertise to others. Her journey is that of a studio artist—or an astronaut? The NASA conceit isn’t completely consistent—but the message of perseverance could apply to any career or challenge.
Following the screening room, there is a changing station, and a sculptural installation based on the film. The cubbies are stocked with the original NikeCraft Mars Yard shoes worn by Sachs’s studio team, with obvious signs of wear and tear underlining the need for a more durable design.
The obstacle course’s challenges begin with the classic rope climb—or, for those looking for an easier option, the ladder climb. Several of the stations are dedicated to health guru Pat Manocchia’s essential exercises, so be prepared to execute a perfect push-up and deadlift. (Sachs leads his studio team through a work out three days a week.)
There are also two stations where you must reach the other side of the room without touching the floor—you’re told it’s “hot lava” or a bottomless pool—one of which involves swinging by trapeze over a tank of water.