Dzine’s Lowrider Bikes Ride Into Deitch Gallery
Having your work showcased at New York’s Deitch Gallery is kind of a big deal. Some of today’s great modern artists from the Beautiful Losers collective (i.e. Barry McGee, Steve “ESPO” Powers, Aaron Rose) paved the way for a new generation of cutting-edge shows like The Beautiful Struggle, the current exhibit from Chicago artist Dzine. One of the most talked-about aspects of the show seems to be these tricked-out low rider bikes that would make Xzibit jealous.
Dzine set out to combine the flashy design of low-rider culture with his own artistic palette that’s influenced by Buddhist traditions. Touches that the Puerto Rican artist added to the cruisers range from twisted metal spokes to sparkling gold frames. He also created a motorboat with a pair of LCD TVs on the stern. Until Dzine’s rides becomes street-safe, you can see his show at Deitch through October 19th. Check out more photos below.
[Deitch Gallery via Luxury Launches]
Joaquin November 6, 2008 at 2:26 pm
Why is this art?
Giant Stiletto February 13, 2009 at 3:30 am
Look at something different every now and again.Lowriders have been around for quite some time now.http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com/Giant_Stiletto_Its_Sharp.html
Truth Seeker June 13, 2009 at 9:26 am
Most of the “audio/visual” art that this artist claims are his creations are actually designed and fabricated by others. Carlos then applies a few finishing touches and claims it as his own creation. The most recognizable one would have to be the Deitch Studios Cadillac Fleetwood. This car was built and designed years earlier and even appeared in LowRider magazine as “Pimp Juice” in 2004/2005.
anonymous September 10, 2009 at 2:25 pm
If he changes the pieces, why does it matter? It becomes alive again and original, especially surrounded by his paintings and installations. I think they are interesting and beautiful. I do not find anything wrong that he may be re-appropriating certain objects.
Also, to be fair, I know nothing about Lowrider culture. But you have only pointed out one piece that he may have changed.
I just went to his website, and for the most part, all the other custom artworks I viewed are original. Overall, Im just glad he is able to have these works preserved in museums all over the world instead of sitting in a garage collecting dust.
Look at artists like Richard Prince, Jeff Koons and other contemporary artists (How about Damien Hirst and his skull – He applied diamonds to a found or purchased skull). Artists do this all the time. Why are you not pointing this out? Dzine (Carlos Rolon) is bringing these objects (pre-fab or original) to life for the public and art-world to see and appreciate. most of the bikes (and his custom boat sculpture) are original and designed by the artist. he works with fabricators in miami, ny and los angeles. all of the parts are then painted, pin-striped, assembled and finished in chicago.