When I started collecting bags, and then painting on bags, I wanted to paint my favorite dead designers on bags they were associated with. Virgil Abloh was the best of the best. He was the creative director of Louis Vuitton at the time of his death.

I painted him and elements representing him on the brand that he catapulted into the stratosphere:
Object 1: Chicago-style hot dog on Louis Vuitton card case (he was from Chicago)
Object 2: Virgil Abloh portrait with halo on Louis Vuitton Speedy 30 handbag (him as a saint)
Object 3: Nike x Off-White Air Force 1 “Volt” on Louis Vuitton Keepall duffel bag (he designed this shoe)

Intersections, both literal and figurative:
A. Designer on his own bag: Put the man behind the bag/brand on the bag/brand.
B. Clashing motifs: Religious halo + modern day outfit hoodie + sneaker; designer monogram + hotdog, sneaker (shoe) on handbag (accessory)??
B. Paint on “valuable object”: Technically, devalued the bag with artwork. Un-resellable in the traditional market.
C. Virgil himself: Many intersecting identities: fashion designer, architect, dj, fashion maven, black man, father, husband, sneakerhead.
D. Volt painting Volt: I use Angelus Leather Paint for these bags. And leather paint is an important part of sneakerhead culture for touch ups and customizations. They issued this color – Volt – to match this exact sneaker. So it’s technically correct.