Bike Art: Bicycles in Art Around the World

by Kiriakos Iosifides

There is an element of fanaticism in bicycle culture rarely seen among the varied forms of locomotion. A love affair of sorts develops between rider and bike, with all the constituent parts: obsession, devotion and longing. In extreme cases, hospitalization is required - among the more restrained, bicycle becomes muse, inspiring great works of art in a variety of media, all in an attempt to capture the spirit of the infatuation. Bike Art pays homage to our two-wheeled friend, presenting works created on walls, canvases, paper, pedestals, bikeframes, skin and clothing by an international team of artists including TALIAH LEMPERT, JANET BIKE GIRL, MONA CARON, BORIS INDRIKOV, DZINE, MATT W. MOORE, ANDY SINGER, MIKE GIANT, DAVID GERSTEIN, MARK GRIEVE & ILANA SPECTOR, BIKE 2.0, AZOR, I BIKE, KEVIN CYR, OLEK, DUANE FLATMO and more. In addition, the bicycle receives a complete makeover as designers compete to create the most original ride, whether re-envisioning the age-old form in its entirety or creating custom pieces for private consumption. A voyeuristic showcase of the lesser-known aspects of the culture including festivals, performing arts and good works - rounds out this must-have volume.

Genres: Cycling

256 pages, Hardcover

First published November 12, 2011

Reviews

[Zack · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book, art of the best objects and form of transport out there. Art of bikes, and bikes as art. And a huge variety of types of art.

Some particular favourites: Michael Cheval, Dodocycle; The Clarence Street Cyclery Mural; Mona Caron, Velorution; David Gerstein, Peloton Wave; Brian Turner, Overgrown; Ken Avidor, some crossbow thing; Lovedust/the ride; some hilarious (impractical) bike designs; Olek, Crochetted bikes; and Gangepain etc., Foxcycle.

Well worth flicking through! I didn't read all the text, but it was (by area) mostly art and photos of art, etc. I've also got some more inspiration for a possible future bike tattoo!

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

“New is a well-forgotten old.”

Pimobility
MWM Graphics, Highlights, Bike art – Matt W. Moore
David de la Mano
Antbikemike – Mike Flanigan – Ant Wood Bike, Ant Truss Bike
Igor Ravbar – wooden bikes
Kevin Cyr – Camper Bike