Cover: Considered movement
Brenton Alexander Smith, The Bicycle Man, Cover
Brenton Alexander Smith, The Bicycle Man, 2013, SCA Bachelor of Visual Arts (Honours); one of a series of photographs and stand-alone sculptures (see page 22)
photo Hyun Lee
Brenton Alexander Smith, The Bicycle Man, 2013, SCA Bachelor of Visual Arts (Honours); one of a series of photographs and stand-alone sculptures (see page 22)
Unlike contemporary technological devices that tend to distance users from the impacts of their public interactions—distracted pedestrians lost in their iPhones or bike-riders reclaiming the footpaths are among the everyday hazards of city life—Brenton Alexander Smith’s prosthetic “bicycle suit” attachments made from old bike parts are designed to “hinder the wearer, forcing them to slow down and consider their movements.”
On the cover of this edition, we reproduce an image from Smith’s series emanating from this idea. Titled The Bicycle Man (2011-2013) the series comprises photographs and a set of stand-alone sculptures.
He writes, “This work parodies the idea of the cyborg and reflects society’s apparent desire to merge with technology. It serves as an antidote to the post-humanist belief that technology can allow one to transcend the limitations of the body.”
Smith is currently completing his BVA Honours year at Sydney College of the Arts. In December he will be heading to Iceland as the Skammdagi Artist in Residence at Listhús in Olafsfjordur “in the darkest part of winter.” RT
Brenton Alexander Smith, The Bicycle Man, Extension Obstruction, 2013, photo courtesy the artist
RealTime issue #122 Aug-Sept 2014 pg. 22
