costa rica-based artist carlos jimenez varela practices surreal and epic portraits of every air jordan sneaker model in his ‘air jordan project’. each NIKE-produced shoe is blown up in scale and placed methodically to blend into its surroundings by matching the colorway of the shoes with its environment. using photoshop, the artist is able to achieve realism through color correction and lighting techniques. 

massive air jordan models 'discovered' in different cities around the world
all images from unsplash, pixabay or pexels, retouched by carlos jimenez varela
a pair of classic air jordan 1 retro breds are found causing traffic in the middle of the street

 

 

‘this is just a way to keep myself busy learning and trying new things.’ explains varela. with more than 20 years of photoshop expertise, varela continues to practice his skillsets as adobe updates photoshop every so often. his photo retouching studies can be found on his social media outlet via instagram.

massive air jordan models 'discovered' in different cities around the world
air jordan VIII, in white and red colorway, finds itself among a flock of flamingos on a bed of gravel

massive air jordan models 'discovered' in different cities around the world
in baby blue and orange colorway, the air jordan V pair matches the colors of the building in the background, blending right into the calm cobble-stone neighborhood alleyway

massive air jordan models 'discovered' in different cities around the world
air jordan XV model, finished in black suede with gold accents, found contrasting from the minimal gallery setting, under the sunlight

air jordan
white air jordan XX1 model is found leaning on the pedestrian sidewalk, under the street lamps

massive air jordan models 'discovered' in different cities around the world
air jordan VI, white and grey with blue accent, is placed amid visitors walking through the oculus, new york

 

 

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project info:

 

project: air jordans project

artist: carlos jimenez varela

portfolio: carlos varela