Pair of Woman's Shoes c. 20th century

These shoes, by Miao Namei, are a real feast for the eyes, a testament to turning everyday objects into something extraordinary. What strikes me is the sheer commitment of time and skill involved in their creation. They're not just functional; they're practically sculptures, dense with color and texture, with every inch covered in embroidery. The contrast between the bright turquoise and the hot pink, the way the colours pop against the dark outlines, is a real masterclass in visual excitement, and then those tiny, precise stitches create these incredible swirling patterns, like miniature paintings. They remind me a little of the work of Liza Lou, who covers entire rooms in tiny glass beads, transforming ordinary spaces into glittering dreamscapes. Like Lou, Namei seems to be saying that art can be found anywhere, in any form, as long as you're willing to put in the work and let your imagination run wild.