Riding the Edge: The Yamaha RZ350 Meets Artistry with Michael Soltis!
Welcome to the second article in our series, highlighting the bold intersection of art and machine. In this feature, we showcase the mixed-media works of Michael Soltis from Riding the Edge, where his layered compositions and high-performance motorcycles come together.
Soltis’ art and the engineering of the motorcycles share a dynamic balance between order and abstraction, exploring how both expression and design push boundaries, blurring the lines between movement and masterpiece.
Michael Soltis’ works It’s Been Awhile and Stay Next to Me challenge traditional visual communication, using layered symbols and textures to push the boundaries of abstraction. His process is intuitive, letting images emerge organically, creating pieces that are both dynamic and thought-provoking. Through his art, Soltis invites the viewer to experience a deeper level of meaning, breaking conventions and offering a fresh perspective.
The 1985 Yamaha RZ350 is a legendary icon, marking the end of road-going two-stroke motorcycles in the U.S. Powered by a 347cc water-cooled two-stroke twin engine, it produced 50 horsepower and weighed just 371 pounds—66 pounds lighter than its closest competitor. Although production continued in Europe, the RZ350’s U.S. run made it a coveted model among enthusiasts and collectors.
Both Michael Soltis’s art and the Yamaha RZ350 both exemplify a striking balance of precision, creativity, and legacy. Soltis deconstructs letters, numbers, and symbols to create layered compositions that challenge viewers to engage both logically and emotionally.?
Similarly, the RZ350’s lightweight frame, Kenny Roberts-inspired bodywork, and cutting-edge engineering offer both visual appeal and thrilling performance, representing a pivotal moment in motorcycling history. Both invite their audiences to appreciate the beauty in their design while celebrating the connection between structure, emotion, and legacy.
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