Bike EXIF » Artists

Gianmarco Magnani

Chris Hunter — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 17:30:18 +0000

Peruvian artist Gianmarco Magnani has just released a series of prints featuring vintage motorcycles, and they’re knockouts—a mix of retro motorcycle manual illustration, cutting-edge typography and inspired line drawings. (A key influence is Katsuhiro Ôtomo’s sketches of Kaneda’s motorcycle from the movie Akira). Magnani prints his work on premium 270 gm photo paper, in limited editions of ten copies each, and sized at 100 cm square. “At first the series was just called ‘Riders’”, says Magnani. “But I decided to give it a focus of rivalry between good and bad, with another side: ‘Villains’.” It’s refreshing to see bikes illustrated in a contemporary way: if you’re not a fan of ghastly nostalgic watercolors or motorcycle art influenced by WWII aircraft nosecone girls, Magnani is your man. Check out his stylish website—which is also a textbook example of understated design and color coordination. [Images copyright © Silence Television. All rights reserved. Via Le Container.]

The Golden Motorcycle

Scott — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 17:30:43 +0000

By guest writer Scott of Pipeburn. Firstly, Merry Christmas! I guess you’re wondering why a painting is being featured on Bike EXIF, and what the link to Christmas is. The painting is by Reg Mombassa and it’s called ‘Australian Jesus and the Golden Motorcycle’. Mombassa became famous through his work for the surf clothing label Mambo, which was started by the part-owner of top custom shop Deus Ex Machina, Dare Jennings. And this particular artwork was featured in an exhibition here in Sydney celebrating the motorcycle, called ‘Born to be Wild’. The exhibition celebrated the machine in Australian culture with a display of motorcycles, memorabilia and Australian motorcycle art. There were bikes built in America, England, Japan and Australia, chosen mainly for their aesthetic design. The star of the line-up was ‘Daisy’, a 1933 Rudge/JAP speedway bike to celebrate Australia’s invention of dirt track racing. (Yes, Australia held the first recorded dirt track speedway race). Also in the show was a 1942 BSA, representing the motorcycle’s induction into war service, and my personal favourite, a 1977 Harley Davidson XLCR Cafe Racer—showing Milwaukee’s decision to enter a brave new world … briefly. With so many motorcycle connections, I thought this appropriately named picture was perfect for Christmas Day. Even though most Northern Hemisphere readers have probably placed their motorbikes into hibernation, and the scene in the painting doesn’t look much like a white Christmas. (Down here in the Southern Hemisphere, we’re enjoying a hot summer—and the only ‘snow’ we encounter is at advertising parties!) See more of Reg Mombassa’s work under the ‘pictures’ tab on his website.

Felix Götze rocking horse

Chris Hunter — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 18:30:09 +0000

A little bit of fun for the weekend: German designer Felix Götze has created this rocking horse from old motorcycle parts. Apparently it’s for a little lad called Otto Komei, who is fascinated by the choppers coming out of the workshop opposite his house. Götze installed a two-stroke thumper of 150 cc with a slash-cut exhaust, because “everybody rides V2 four-stroke”. That sprung leather saddle is a neat touch, and so is the airbrushing by artist Thomas Weber. Who’s a lucky boy? [Images and concept copyright Felix Götze.]

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Death Spray Custom

Chris Hunter — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 18:30:21 +0000

We first noticed David Gwyther of Death Spray Custom a year or so ago, when he was painting motorcycle helmets and skateboards better than anyone else. The London-based artist is now aiming for the big time, with a raft of cool collaborations to his name—including a pushbike frame for Monocle magazine. Gwyther is obviously a Yamaha fan: in the past he’s customized a TMAX scooter, and his latest machine is this ‘Boner Brigade’ Yamaha XS650, with an eye-catching Keith Haring-style paintjob. The well-lit photography is by Shamil Tanna, who is represented by the same creative agency as illustrator Stevie Gee, Gwyther’s main collaborator.

Fine Art Models

Chris Hunter — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 18:30:38 +0000

This is not a real MV Agusta 750S: it’s an all-metal, 1:5 scale model. The brakes, suspension, and carburetor linkage are working recreations of the real thing. It’s from a small outfit called Fine Art Models—based in Royal Oak, Michigan—which sells its pieces to collectors all over the world, and to museums such as the Smithsonian. FAM makes big claims for its 750S: “With over 300 man-hours to hand build each model, it is currently considered the finest motorcycle model ever produced.” Just three hundred of these models will be made, at a cost of $3,500 each. FAM recreates two other motorcycles—a 1963 Impalia 175 cc Sport Montesa and a 1911 Peugeot Cycle—plus trains, planes and automobiles. [See also the equally amazing 1:5 creations of Spanish artist Pere Tarragó.]

Cay Brøndum: Harley Lamp

Chris Hunter — Sat, 16 May 2009 18:30:16 +0000

The world is full of tacky motorcycle-themed nick-nacks, but this surreal lamp sculpture appeals to our sense of humor. The designer is Cay Brøndum, a Danish artist and occasional Wrenchmonkees collaborator. It’s the front end of a Harley-Davidson, and could grace the living room of even the most discerning Copenhagen architect. Cay has just started own blog, by the way, which is worth keeping an eye on.

Christopher Marshall

Chris Hunter — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 18:30:37 +0000

The British artist Christopher Marshall creates elegant drawings of classic motorcycles, such as the 1966 Honda 6 shown above. Most prints are available in two sizes, and some are limited editions – including images of racing legends such as Mike Hailwood, Barry Sheene and Joey Dunlop.