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Thumbnail-size images of copyrighted artworks are displayed under fair use, in accordance with guidelines recommended by the Code of Best Practices in Fair Use for the Visual Arts, published by the College Art Association in February 2015.
Pair of Shoes
South Korea
2013
Medium/Technique
Leather, metal, rubber
Dimensions
Center back (Each shoe): 12.4 cm (4 7/8 in.)
Length x width (Each shoe): 22.9 × 3.8 cm (9 × 1 1/2 in.)
Length x width (Each shoe): 22.9 × 3.8 cm (9 × 1 1/2 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Mary E. Lister in honor of Marion White
Accession Number2016.513.1-2
CollectionsContemporary Art, Fashion and Textiles
ClassificationsCostumes
If you’ve ever been approached by someone who says “I love your shoes!”— or maybe you’ve given this compliment to someone else—you’ll know that footwear often goes beyond the functional to communicate identity and aesthetics. Ornamented with gold-tone emojis, this colorful pair of MaryJanes references Japanese Manga and Minnie Mouse, bringing the shoes to life even when they are not on someone’s feet. The donor of these shoes, Mary Lister, worked at the MFA and gave these shoes in memory of her aunt, who encouraged her lifelong passion for fashion from an early age.
DescriptionMaryjane shoes by Minju Kim with yellow leather soles, while and yellow leather uppers with punchwork decoration; oversized strap and buckle adorned with red leather fringe; shoes ornamented with goldtone emojis; made for retail establishment Opening Ceremony.
Provenance2015, sold by retailer Opening Ceremony to Mary E. Lister, Chelsea, MA; 2016, gift of Mary E. Lister to the MFA. (Accession Date: September 28, 2016)