Final answer:
Sneaker art, like other forms of personalized or urban art, is a form of expression that blends cultural stories, activism, and everyday object transformation. It challenges traditional art forms and societal norms, creating moments that provoke thought and potentially alter perspectives.
Step-by-step explanation:
People create sneaker art for various reasons, reflecting personal and cultural expression, activism, and subversion. Artists like Greeves transform ordinary tennis shoes into a canvas to narrate Kiowa and cultural stories, incorporating techniques like lane stitch and two-needle appliqué in her beaded designs. Similarly, artists such as Wade Guyton and Kelley Walker utilize printers and scanners to imprint images onto everyday objects, challenging traditional art forms.
The urban art movement often carries a strong message of activism. Street artists employ 'smart vandalism' to comment on social and political issues, making a statement against racism and other societal challenges. This form of art provocation, exemplified by Banksy's graffiti, can make ordinary life more noticeable and thought-provoking.
Art also serves to elevate the everyday world to something that deserves attention and reflection. Historical sites like the balustrade with a Nike relief carving show that the impulse to adorn items with meaning has a long heritage. Even the commentary on identity and exclusivity seen in Dr. Suess's 'The Sneeches' highlights how art reflects and shapes societal views.