Riding the Edge: Austin Montanari's Figurative Paintings & the Columbia Bike
In this article, we explore the intersection of one of our emerging contemporary artists with the oldest vintage bike in our collection. Austin Montanari employs vibrant figurative painting to depict humanity's gradual withdrawal from the natural world. His work, rooted in everyday life, subtly weaves in elements of fantasy, creating a compelling narrative that blurs the line between reality and imagination. Through bold colors and expressive brushstrokes, Montanari invites viewers to immerse themselves in his whimsical worlds.
"I try to draw inspiration from scenes in daily life. A theme I like to explore is the growing disconnect between humans and the natural environment. I think this gives the paintings an ominous undertone and grounds them in the real world." - Austin
Contrasting Montanari’s modern artistic vision, the Columbia Bike 1896, paired with a 1916 Shaw Motorkit, stands as the most traditional motorcycle in our collection. This pairing embodies our exhibition’s central theme—juxtaposing tradition and modernity—while challenging viewers to broaden their perception of art. By bringing together contemporary expression and historical craftsmanship, we encourage a dialogue that bridges past and present, sparking new ways of engaging with artistic and mechanical heritage.
The composition of Leash is rendered in a limited yet dynamic color palette of muted greens, browns, and blues, contrasted with deep blacks and vibrant yellows. The flat, graphic shapes and simplified forms create a surreal and symbolic atmosphere, evoking themes of control, restraint, and confrontation. A distant moon and an abstract tree add to the dreamlike, almost dystopian setting, leaving the viewer to interpret the power dynamics at play in this enigmatic visual narrative.
The Shaw Manufacturing Company was founded in 1903 by Stanley Shaw, who operated out of a repurposed drugstore. In the front, Shaw sold Elgin and Waltham watches, while in the back, he built small gasoline engines.
Shaw continued producing these innovative conversion kits until 1920, when the focus shifted to manufacturing farm equipment.
A distinctive feature is the leather link-belt attached to the rear wheel, included with each Shaw kit to accommodate varying bicycle frame lengths. Users could adjust the belt by adding or removing links based on their bike’s wheelbase.
While Montanari employs bold brushstrokes and vivid colors to propel his art into contemporary spheres, the Columbia bike and Shaw Motor Kit embody another facet of modern design. Recognized as the original motorcycle, the Shaw Motor Kit is a testament to both tradition and ingenuity, blending historical craftsmanship with forward-thinking engineering.
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!
RSVP today!
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.