But is it ART...?

**Conquiztador** · 11th July 2008, 00:47

Originally Posted by martybabe

An astute critique of the Artists work, however, Given that his trusty steed is firmly afixed to the perma frost by wires and ground anchors, I think it more likely that the artist is trying to convey a young man taking a break from his weary travels,as attested by his left hand, shielding his eyes from the harsh winter sun, seeking out some rest and shelter whereby he can consume the contents of the giant Thermos that rusts so beautifully in his right hand.

Either way, a thought provoking piece. So many fields these days are wasted on cattle, sheep or crops, gone are the days when the green fields of NZ were full of rusty old crap, mores the pity.

And that is what defines timeless quality art. Look at the Mona Lisa, Hundreds of years has gone where her smile has been debated. Art will allow us to see different things based on where we come from.

This one is up there in same category. Perhaps not in dollar value, but in regards to creating debate and discussion. By following my earlier posted comments I would like to take this opportunity to go a step further: I think the artist has created a masterpiece that clearly shows us the perils of inability to make decisions. The rider can not make up his mind if he should stay or if he should go, and so time travels past and he has started to rust badly suffering the results of his inability to make up his mind.

A wrong decision is better then no decision at all.

**Steam** · 11th July 2008, 09:02

Originally Posted by Skunk

They'll need to be quick with their 'masterpiece' as each zero G dive only lasts seven minutes I think.

Each dive yields just 30 seconds of zero G. Crazy huh.

**<G>** · 11th July 2008, 09:23

"Bugger, I should've filled up at that petrol station"

**klingon** · 11th July 2008, 09:35

Originally Posted by Conquiztador

The tranquil landscape in the background creates a strong contrast to the lonely figure where he stands clearly looking for a solution to his problems as his quest has abrubtly taken a turn resulting in him contemplating if he should stay or walk risking the chance that some less scrupulous individual would harvest his trusty steed while he is away. It has one of lifes most poignant question written in clearly visible letters: Should I stay or should I go?

Originally Posted by Conquiztador

... I think the artist has created a masterpiece that clearly shows us the perils of inability to make decisions. The rider can not make up his mind if he should stay or if he should go, and so time travels past and he has started to rust badly suffering the results of his inability to make up his mind.

A wrong decision is better then no decision at all.

Oh my goodness! LOL! I liked the sculpture when I first saw it but I like it even better now that I've read Conquiztador's analysis!

That poor rusting biker, standing there for years wondering if he should stay or go until he's rusted to the ground and can no longer choose.

So poignant!

**oldrider** · 11th July 2008, 10:49

Originally Posted by Big Dave

You'd be used to that?

True!

John

**Blackbird** · 11th July 2008, 11:07

Originally Posted by FJRider

On my way back home from todays work site, I come across this guy and his bike. I have seen him there before but today I had my camera. He should be familiar to those that have toured the upper Clutha area. Not quite Wanaka end but a half hour south of there. How many have spotted him.... ???

Hmmm.. it would be a worthy addition to Jantar's bicycle fence so if it goes missing, look no further than Alexandra

**ManDownUnder** · 11th July 2008, 11:18

Originally Posted by martybabe

An astute critique of the Artists work,

Whereas I take an Engineering interpretation...

"Spare parts, welder and 2 hours to kill... This'll get the bastards talking..."

**007XX** · 11th July 2008, 11:41

Originally Posted by ManDownUnder

Whereas I take an Engineering interpretation...

"Spare parts, welder and 2 hours to kill... This'll get the bastards talking..."

Such a romantic! No wonder you get on so well with my hubby

Regardless of which view point ou take in regards to artistic values, I reckon the person who put that up did a good job of it. But I would personally Zinc primed it to avoid rusting...seeing a bike rusting just brakes my heart!

**Big Dave** · 11th July 2008, 12:15

The Optimist: The glass is half full.
The Pessimist: Half empty.
The Engineer: That glass is twice as big as it needs to be.

**Conquiztador** · 11th July 2008, 20:06

Originally Posted by Big Dave

The Optimist: The glass is half full.
The Pessimist: Half empty.
The Engineer: That glass is twice as big as it needs to be.

The Artist: By not filling the glass we allow the natural beauty of the contrast between the liquid and the contours of the glass to be fully enjoyed by all.