Some ideas start with a spark, an unexpected moment of inspiration that changes everything. For artist and photographer Al Baker, that moment came through his wife, Sydney. Her love for entomology, the study of insects, had him thinking about the intersection of science and art, how something as intricate as a butterfly could be meticulously pinned and framed for preservation. What if sneakers, with all their layers, textures, and hidden details, could be displayed in the same way? Thus, Dead Stock Anatomies was born: an artistic dissection of some of the most iconic sneakers ever made, presented like artifacts in a natural history museum.
Here are five standout pieces from the collection, each carrying its own story, history, and cultural weight:
5. Jeff Staple Panda Pigeon Dunk
Currently on display at the new STAPLE store on 21 Mercer, this deconstructed version of the Panda Pigeon Dunk pays homage to one of the most infamous sneakers in streetwear history. Jeff Staple’s original Pigeon Dunk caused riots in NYC, and this follow-up edition blends past and present with its black-and-white color scheme and signature pigeon logo. Baker’s dissection reveals every stitch, every layer of mesh and suede, showing how a sneaker isn’t just an object but a carefully crafted masterpiece.
4. Travis Scott Kaleidoscope
This piece is a display of five Travis Scott sneakers. Few artists have blurred the lines between music, fashion, and sneaker culture like Travis Scott. The Kaleidoscope piece, inspired by Scott’s unconventional style and genre-bending sound, showcases a sneaker that feels as chaotic and mesmerizing as his concerts. With deconstructed panels revealing unexpected textures and colors, this piece mirrors the way Scott remixes hip-hop with rock, jazz, and psychedelic influences.
3. Red October – A Collaboration with Reshoevn8r
The Nike Air Yeezy 2 “Red October” remains one of the most sought-after sneakers ever released. In collaboration with Reshoevn8r, Baker created a part-documentary, part-artwork showcasing the anatomy of this legendary shoe. Each piece of the sneaker, from the aggressive ridged midsole to the iconic glow-in-the-dark outsole, is laid out like a specimen in a science lab—analyzing what makes the Red October one of the most celebrated and controversial sneakers in history.
2. J Balvin AJ3 Medellín Sunset
Commissioned by J Balvin himself, this Air Jordan 3 rework is a love letter to Medellín, Colombia. Known for bringing reggaeton to the world stage, Balvin’s sneaker collaboration with Jordan Brand was a vibrant, sunset-inspired masterpiece. Baker’s version dissects the sneaker to reveal every pop of color, every detail that makes this sneaker uniquely Balvin’s. Framed like a museum piece, it captures the energy and warmth of his hometown in a way that few art forms could.
1. Curry 12 What the Curry
Sometimes, taking a chance pays off in unexpected ways. After making a special Steph Curry piece to display at Sneakercon, Baker caught the attention of Under Armour and Steph Curry himself. The result? A commissioned piece that would be used throughout the year to showcase the latest Curry sneaker at events worldwide. This dissection highlights the precision and performance-driven elements of the Curry 12, showing how function meets art in the world of elite sports footwear.
What started as a simple idea, fusing sneakers, art, and science, has grown into something much bigger. Dead Stock Anatomies isn’t just about cutting up shoes; it’s about storytelling, about exposing the soul of a sneaker in a way that’s never been done before. Al Baker’s work reminds us that sneakers are more than just footwear. They’re history, culture, and innovation, one stitch at a time.
