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Jordan, 2024
Air Jordan 4 Oxidizied Green Campaign Japan
Nike
Lead Brand, Art Direction: Mark Pakulski
Creative Producer: Emily Hamlet
For the Jordan Brand's AJ4 "Oxidized Green" campaign in Japan, I was commissioned to visualize a dialogue between cultures. The creative challenge was to explore the shoe's "Americana" heritage through the lens of Japanese aesthetics.
My artwork recontextualizes the AJ4, framing it not just as an icon of American sport, but as an object of cross-cultural reverence. I sought to create a visual metaphor for the "oxidized" theme, imagining the sneaker developing a patina not just from age, but from its journey and reception within Japan's distinct visual landscape. The piece draws inspiration from the serene composition of Japanese gardens and the detailed narrative of traditional art, blending them with my own illustrative style to create a harmonious and contemplative scene.
This project was a fascinating exercise in finding the quiet intersection where the bold legacy of Jordan meets the refined beauty of Japanese culture.
Dexter Maurer
Photo: Luana Maurer
About
Dexter Maurer is an illustrator and art director specializing in translating cultural narratives into compelling visual worlds. His work builds a bridge between iconic brands and the nuanced language of contemporary illustration, crafting images that are both immediately striking and rich with story.
With a distinct style that blends graphic sensibility with narrative depth, he collaborates with clients like Nike, The New Yorker, and Jordan Brand to define the visual identity of their most ambitious campaigns. His process involves deconstructing themes of music, sport, and culture to their core metaphors, reassembling them into illustrations that resonate on an intuitive level.
Whether developing the art direction for an entire album campaign or creating a single, iconic loading screen for Fortnite, his focus is on constructing a cohesive and resonant visual universe for every project.