Ever noticed sneakers hanging from electrical wires? New Zealand photographer Geoff Budd has. Merge caught up with the man who thinks sneakers hanging from powerlines is simply progressive street sculpture.

What compelled you to create gallery Sole Intentions? 
Curiosity. There’s a heap of sneakers swinging around the streets where I live in west Auckland so I grew up wondering why. I started photographing them a few years back then a friend from Canada said in her hood it related to gang threats and killings. That sounded a bit more interesting than just marking tinny houses. I decided to set up a website to find out more and for people to share their pics. It just took off from there!

  

Vandalism or art?
Art for sure. Check out the exhib and I think you'll agree. It's a progressive street sculpture that adds some interest to an otherwise uneventful skyline. I guess the artistic value may be a little lost on the linesmen that have to remove them though. 
  

 Why do you think people throw sneakers on power lines?
That’s the golden question! As well as photos, people are sending in their theories and stories as to what it means in their part of the world. There are some classics coming in which which make for entertaining reading. They’re all part of the exhib so check it out and get enlightened!

When can we peep your photographs?
We’re working on getting a show to Oz next year with Sneaker Freaker and bringing down Skewville from NYC to feature their works. They’re turning out some wicked street art taking everything to the next level. I’m also collabing with Plexus Films in Adelaide who’ve been filming the phenomenon for the last few years and have some brilliant footage and interviews. Any sponsors or spaces that are keen to be involved please get in touch! In the mean time, check the website and keep chuck’n!

Check out more from Geoff Budd.