Riding the Edge: New Article Series
Introducing our new article series exploring the bold intersections of art and machine, featuring standout works from our latest exhibition, Riding the Edge. Each article will spotlight a pairing of fine art and high-performance vehicles, uncovering the narratives, symbolism, and craftsmanship that connect them.?
From the intricate details of each artwork to the sleek engineering of a motorcycle, this series delves into the ways expression and mechanical design push boundaries—blurring the lines between movement and masterpiece.
Francisco’s Keep Pets off Furniture acrylic painting is inspired by his observations after moving to America. The artist was struck by the extravagant care and indulgence we give our pets, often allowing them to occupy spaces typically reserved for people. Drawing from his time in Kentucky, the series features dogs and horses in playful, surreal scenarios involving ornate antique furniture.??
Francisco’s fascination with furniture has personal roots. In Cuba, his mother saved for two years to purchase a new sofa—a significant achievement for their family. She preserved its pristine condition by covering it in plastic and forbidding anyone to sit on it. Young Francisco learned to admire it from a distance, as though it were a museum piece.?In Keep Pets off Furniture, two bay horses, fully saddled and bridled, leap onto an opulent gold sofa adorned with intricate red upholstery.?
The whimsical scene unfolds against a backdrop of rich hardwood floors and ornate beige-and-brown toile wallpaper, blending elegance with absurdity. The work reflects Francisco’s unique perspective on the relationship between people, possessions, and the cherished spaces we inhabit.
Launched during the Great Depression, the BMW R2 became a symbol of affordability and ingenuity. Introduced in 1931, it was BMW’s smallest bike to date, featuring a 198cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine producing 6hp. Its sub-200cc size exempted it from taxes and licensing fees, making it highly appealing during tough economic times.?
Despite its modest power, the R2 offered premium features like shaft-drive, a pressed steel frame, and iconic BMW styling. Annual upgrades improved performance, culminating in an 8hp version by the end of its production in 1936. Over six years, 15,207 R2s were sold, cementing its success even as larger models like the R12 outsold it in later years.
Keep Pets off Furniture and the BMW R2 both elevate everyday objects into symbols of aspiration and ingenuity. Francisco transforms furniture into icons of admiration, while the R2 embodied resourcefulness, pride, and hope with its affordability and iconic design. Both highlight how possessions can transcend utility to reflect resilience and cultural significance.
EUROPEAN BIKE NIGHT
at Chauvet Arts | March 27, 2025 @ 6:30 - 8:30PM
Join us for European Bike Night with Nashville Moto as we celebrate the closing of Riding the Edge: Passion, Art, and Motorcycles.?
This special evening will showcase four stunning European motorcycles—two Ducatis and two BMWs—on display in the gallery, offering a final tribute to the intersection of art and motorcycle culture. This is a free event!
The gallery is open to the public Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. — 5 p.m. For more information about CHAUVET Arts, featured artists and upcoming exhibitions, please visit www.chauvetarts.com.
215 Rep John Lewis way N | Fifth Avenue of the Arts | Nashville, TN 37219