Bike racks as art isn't exactly a new phenomenon.
A confluence of increased environmentalism, urbanism and the growing popularity of cycling among the creative class made them an inevitability.
There are many creatively designed bike racks in Arlington, Washington, D.C., and elsewhere. David Byrne, best known as the Talking Heads' front man, recently designed several artistic bike racks for the streets of New York City. But the most interesting example of bike-rack-turned-public-art can be found in Rosslyn's Gateway Park at 1300 Lee Highway.
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A seemingly lonely and modest bike rack has been transformed into a rusty piece of sculptured art. Never is a bike more safe than when it's guarded by the two strange, human-like figures that bookend this particular rack. Forged of recycled bicycle parts, the two twisted-metal stick figures remain loyal to their origins, guarding any bike-frame-brethren that are left between their bars.
Functional art is interesting and enjoyable for many reasons. Most importantly, like a lot of public art, it knocks art off its pedestal and makes it more approachable. With the boundaries of the museum and high-end gallery broken down, the functional art is available for all to enjoy.
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Functional art contends that aesthetics can and should invade all aspects of our lives, that we can creatively construct a more dynamic and interesting setting to live, play and work in. But an imaginative bike rack is different than the $3,000 chairs you see in Dwell magazine. No, functional art like this costs very little and remains relatively untarnished by the forces of commercialism.
Arlington is filled with creative bike racks, from the bike-shaped racks in Courthouse to the many ultramodern racks recently installed in Rosslyn. But the most imaginative of the racks is the one that garners the least attention. Anonymously installed, the rusty bicycle scarecrows in Gateway Park are content to put smiles on the faces of daily passersby without asking anything in return. No photographing tourists necessary.
Until next time, happy art hunting.