Post 3 / Email / "What does this sneaker speak to you?"

 

Mathew Zurita

ART-399-2066

Professor. Jung

New Jersey City University

October 06, 2025

"What does this sneaker speak to you?"

            Since I know the history and meaning behind my own sneakers that I shot with, I thinks it's time to see if anyone, if possible, has a even more knowledge on sneakers then me. In order to test that knowledge, what better place to visit is a sneaker shop that is located in the Jersey city heights area. There are two sneaker shops in Central avenue that are close by me. One is Sneaker Room and other is Soled Out Jersey City. Both stores has a different work environment and sell and collect the same products. Only difference is that Soled Out sell so many variety's of graphic shirts, hype figures, and other expensive merchandise besides sneakers. Sneaker Room has been in business for over 18 years, as it was established in 2006. The Jersey City-based retailer was founded by Suraj Kaufman, who was inspired to start the business after receiving a gift of Nike stock from his late mother. Soled Out has been founded since 2012 and has aimed to build a strong presence within its local community while also catering to an ever growing audience far and wide. Soled Out was founded by Tony Chen, a lifelong sneaker enthusiast with a passion for curating rare and high-demand streetwear and footwear. With a deep understanding of sneaker culture and the resale market, Tony built Soled Out to be more than just a store, it’s a trusted destination for buyers, sellers, and collectors looking for exclusive styles, fair pricing, and a seamless experience. 

            The email I will plan on sending to both on organizations is to properly introduce myself first and explain what I do. "Good morning/Good afternoon/Good evening, my name is Mathew Zurita. I am a student in New Jersey City University and I am a photography major. I am also a photographer and my recent project that I've worked this year is my sneaker project for my BFA show(Bachelors in Fine Arts) for next year." Next is to explain why I'm contacting both organizations, what I plan to show them, and explain what art intervention is. "The reason I'm contacting you is to see if your interested on cooperating on my art intervention with me. What is a art intervention you may ask? Art intervention is a creative act that intentionally engages with and alters an existing artwork, situation, or public space to provoke thought, change perceptions, and stimulate critical discourse. Since my project involves sneakers, I think it would be perfect to show you guys my sneaker photos and ask you questions for each of them. The name of this project is "What does this sneaker speak to you?" Most of the sneakers you would see were shot inside the lightning studio, with different style position of the shoe and different backgrounds. I want to test you guys on how well your sneaker knowledge is and what each sneaker pictures speaks to you guys personally, how you would define them, and do you believe that sneakers count as art and why? I plan to record your guys answers and reactions with my camera with my tripod or with my phone for back up. I would also edit out the video and share it with you guys if your interested. That's if you guys are okay with me filming. I want to ask first before hand. Please let me know if you guys are interested on helping my art intervention as soon as possible. From, Mathew Zurita." 

            I can't draw a sketch on how this intervention is going to play but I do have ideas. I am planning to record their reaction either with my camera or phone and edit out the video in Adobe premiere pro. I either plan filming either inside the store or outside if possible, thats if they allow me to film. In addition, it depends which organization answers first and if they are interested to be in my art intervention. If both organization refuse to cooperate on my art intervention, I would have to ask different people who have enough sneaker knowledge either at campus or outside from campus as a back up plan. I would still ask the same questions and record their reactions. However, since everyone loves sneakers and fashion nowadays, I feel like people would be automatically interested on my project since its shoes and the color would get them hooked pretty quickly.