Nikes as Art.

The McPherson library recelntly received a copy of a book about artist Brian Jungen, published by the Vancouver Art Gallery and Douglas & McIntyre. His work is generally sculpture and installation using "everyday" objects in rather extraordinary ways.

My favourite pieces are made using Nike Air Jordans, and in some cases also human hair, reconstructed to evoke traditional Northwest Native carved masks. The numbered series is titled Prototype for New Understanding; I really love Prototype for New Understanding #9 (1999). [I can't find a photo of #9 online, but Prototype... #5 is similar.]

If you are going to be in Vancouver, I'd recommend visiting the Vancouver Art Gallery where a number of his pieces will be on display from January 28th until April 30th of this year.

More info:
CBC.ca - Arts - Art & Design - Shapeshifter
Brian Jungen Works at Catriona Jeffries Gallery
Washington Post - Brian Jungen's Masks...