#Japan #Tokyo #J.M. WESTON #Ruth Pettus #Olivier Saillard

Discovering Life Stories Through Shoes: An Insight into Ruth Pettus’ Work

The J.M. WESTON ATELIER in Tokyo, situated in Nihonbashi Hamacho, has turned the spotlight on an innovative exhibition titled "Bonjour, tonnerre de pavés (Hello, the thunder of cobblestones)." This exhibition, set to open on June 4, showcases the art of the late Ruth Pettus, an American artist originally from New Zealand. Known for her unique approach to combining art and everyday objects, Pettus transformed discarded shoes into powerful narratives, breathing new life into what some might consider mere garbage.

Having created footwear-centric artworks since 1995, Pettus saw shoes as more than just functional items. For her, they were imbued with the memories and paths of their past owners, serving as vessels that held the essence of human journeys – personal stories etched into the fabric of these items. Her encounter with Oscar Villegas-Paez, who owns pieces from her collection, and Olivier Saillard, the Artistic Image and Culture Director of J.M. WESTON, led to this collaborative project to present her work in a new context. The exhibition promises to be a unique opportunity to engage with the artistic spirit embodied by J.M. WESTON itself.

In her multifaceted works, Pettus often deconstructed and reconstructed shoes, thereby inviting viewers to reflect on the very act of walking, existence, and the passage of time. Each creation is a contemplation of movements and narratives that transcend mere functionality, encouraging us to ponder deeper philosophical questions about life and memory.

Pettus' works have been exhibited not only across America but also in Europe and Russia, and they are part of numerous public and private collections. With the backdrop of the J.M. WESTON ATELIER, this exhibition extends an invitation to explore the many stories shoes can tell and the profound relationship between walking and life itself.

About Ruth Pettus

Ruth Pettus was born in Lower Hutt, New Zealand, in 1957 and moved to Baltimore, USA, in 1978, where she continued her artistic career. She studied art history at the University of Sydney and later painting at the Corcoran School of Art. Tragically, Ruth passed away in 2021, but her legacy endures through her exceptional works of art and the narratives they carry.

For those wanting to explore this unique exhibition, it takes place at J.M. WESTON ATELIER located at Tokyo, Chuo-ku, Nihonbashi Hamacho 3-10-4. The Atelier operates from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM and from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM, closing for an hour in between. Visitors can not only experience the art but also delve into the deep-rooted traditions and craftsmanship that J.M. WESTON represents, founded on the principles of luxury and elegance.

About J.M. WESTON

Established in 1891, J.M. WESTON has built a reputation as a symbol of luxury men's shoes in France. Known for its dedication to traditional craftsmanship and the Goodyear welt method, over 170 skilled artisans work at the factory in Limoges to create timeless footwear. The brand maintains a presence in 41 locations globally, with a commitment to infusing modern essences into its designs while preserving French elegance. In 2018, Olivier Saillard joined as the Artistic Image and Culture Director, further enhancing the brand's creative vision.

As we step into this artistic experience, the exhibition promises not just a visual treat but a reflective journey through the lives of those who have walked before us, embodied in the worn paths of shoes. Don’t miss this chance to witness how art intersects with life, memory, and the simple act of walking.