Bringing the rich sensibility of art to running. New Balance extends the sport.

At "New Balance Run Hub Yoyogi Park", "GOO CHOKI" art exhibition will be held in conjunction with the "Art of Running" running event. PAR" art exhibition will be held in conjunction with the "Art of Running" running event at "New Balance Run Hub Yoyogi Park". Running Shapes," which is used in the running apparel collection, will be on display, along with new pieces created especially for this event. GOO CHOKI" participated in the launch event. We spoke with the three members of "PAR" who participated in the launch event, and asked them about the secret story behind the production and what they feel about the craftsmanship that "New Balance" values.

Ii High: When New Balance approached me about doing an art exhibition, there was no specific order for me to create something like this. I had already created an exercise-themed work for the poster of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. At that time, when I abstracted the shapes of people exercising, I could feel their inner feelings and active muscular movement, and I really enjoyed the process of creation. This time, I focused only on running and created this work with a new expression.

Ii High: There are many different styles of runners, and the purpose of running varies from person to person. Some run for fun, while others run stoically as part of their training. I hope I was able to express these various feelings through the 10 bodies.

Ishii: I was conscious of making everyone look different, from those who were running happily and spontaneously to those who looked a bit pained but were running forward.

Ii High: I created this work with the intention of putting energy into it that would make it seem as if it were moving or on a time axis, as if it were still as a work of art, but about to start moving from there.

Shallow leaves: I usually run, but during the production process, I was running and following the silhouettes and muscle movements of other runners with my eyes. I knew that each person's running style was completely different from the next. This was interesting to me, and I wondered how it would look like when abstracted.

Ii High: I also paid special attention to the footwear. Sneakers have a lot of power added to them, so I made them all different shapes to make them more attractive.

Shallow leaves: Yes, I did. You added a little element to the feet, and you added a lot of detail.

Ii High: It would be interesting to look for the letter "N" of "New Balance" or other letters hidden in them.

Ishii: I was fine-tuning the design, paying attention to how the 10 pieces would look when placed side by side. That is why I was happy to have the design incorporating the 10 pieces into a single garment.

Ii High: Since I created this for an art exhibition, I didn't expect it to become an apparel item. I think it turned out to be very original as running wear. I am looking forward to seeing people running in it at today's event, and it would be great if people who wear it feel happy.

Ii High: I am very happy. Running wear is a special material. I was surprised at the high quality of the prints and the finished product.

Ishii: It's beautifully printed down to the smallest detail, isn't it?