Press Release: Richmond Art Center Announces Fall 2019 Exhibitions
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Countersteer: Custom Motorcycles as Self-Expression
Main Gallery
Since the invention of the motorcycle over 100 years ago, creative individuals have endeavored to improve performance and enhance the aesthetics of their vehicle of choice. Motorcycles, as symbols of personal freedom, are often the “canvas” for that personal expression. California, the heart of American motorcycle culture, is a hotbed of creativity on wheels.
Countersteer examines personal expression through the medium of the motorcycle. From its beginnings as a motorized bicycle, the motorcycle has inspired creative modifications matching its great versatility: a bike can be a city commuter, long-distance tourer, track racer, backcountry explorer, drag racer and much more. In every guise, when motionless, motorcycles become aesthetic objects that people have, from day one, adorned with unique painted surfaces and hand-crafted parts; the personal expressions of their makers.
Countersteer features fourteen custom built motorcycles, each reflecting a particular purpose and creative sensibility. The exhibition starts almost where it all began, with a 1909 Harley-Davidson motorcycle. It goes on to include a rideable parts-bin special named Pixie, built in 2013 by a team of artists for an annual competition and party. Other bikes in the exhibition were built for show, for racing or just for tearing up the avenues for the pleasure of riding. In addition to the bikes on display, a glimpse into motorcycle culture and spirit comes from paintings, sculptures and even a quilt made by artists inspired by their motorcycle dreams and riding exploits.
Countersteer is guest co-curated by Danny Aarons and Phil Linhares.
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Thresholds: Nicole Mueller
West Gallery
Through this exhibition called Thresholds, that includes a new body of paintings and site-specific installation, Nicole Mueller will transform the gallery into a shifting environment that addresses the transitional and intangible nature of spaces. Using cut layers of colored films, collage, and paint, Thresholds will activate the natural light and windows of the Richmond Art Center’s West Gallery, combining the effects of stained glass with contemporary abstract painting.
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Gap, Pause, Omission
South Gallery
Bay Area artist Stephen Namara will present a solo exhibition of dry pigment works on paper that oscillate between figuration and abstraction.
Pause, Gap, Omission is guest curated by Marguerite T. Browne.
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Ready and Waiting
Community Gallery
This group exhibition will feature Californian graphic art and illustration exploring shared issues relevant to local and global communities. The exhibition is juried by Marvella Muro, Director of Artistic Programs and Education at Self Help Graphics and Art in Los Angeles.
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Rich Reality
Community Gallery Display Cases
This exhibition features work by young artists who participated in a five-week free printmaking class at the Richmond Art Center this summer. The class was run by youth, for youth, and with youth.
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Images: Top: Countersteer Motorcycles; Bottom l-r: Joel Berroteran, Temporary Fix, 2019; Stephen Namara, Untitled (peaches), 2019; Nicole Mueller, Thresholds, 2019
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