This sneaker is Singaporean artist and illustrator tobyato‘s first collaboration with ASICS through the ‘Art in Motion’ collection. The design draws inspiration from the ancient Chinese philosophy of yin and yang. tobyato x ASICS NOVABLAST™ features an asymmetrical black and white design with a pop of pink and interchangeable velcro patches on the sneaker tongue.
The design also explores the delicate balance between black and white and the co-dependency between opposite elements, which discovers a synergy that is nothing short of exceptional.
The bold flowing tiger stripe motif on the shoe’s upper mimics traditional Chinese ink painting and pays homage to the Chinese belief that a tiger’s breath creates the winds around the world, mirroring the flow of creativity throughout the world.
Who is tobyato?
tobyato is a multi-disciplinary visual artist and illustrator who has worked across multiple mediums ranging from sprawling murals in Singapore, to brand collaborations across South-East Asia. His aesthetic is often bold, striking, and inspired by traditional Chinese
motifs, and modern, playful influences that reflect both his heritage, as well as his personality.
As an enthusiast of street culture, he has collaborated with CASIO G-SHOCK, Levi’s, Shake Shack, JD Sports and ASICS amongst others, steadily building a body of work that exemplifies artist brand collaborations.
About the ASICS Art in Motion Collection
ASICS Sportstyle presents the ‘Art in Motion’ collection, a limited edition release designed by three local Southeast Asian artists. Ann Irin (Thailand), Kenji Chai (Malaysia) and tobyato (Singapore), put their creative spin on our most iconic shoes, the Japan S™, GEL-1130™, NOVABLAST™, bringing you an exclusive collection!
The collaboration marks ASICS Sportstyle’s commitment to uplifting the creative community and culture across the Southeast Asia region by providing local creatives with a platform to showcase their craft.
The tobyato x ASICS NOVABLAST™ and the other ‘Art in Motion’ sneakers are now available at ASICS.com (Singapore). For other ASICS features, click HERE and for sneaker features, click HERE.
