In this two hour session, April Friges, assistant professor of photography, highlighted the history of photomontage prior to the existence of Adobe Photoshop, its uses as propaganda tool and in presidential campaign posters.
Students identified the single most iconic political campaign image, Shepard Fairey’s HOPE poster, used in Obama’s 2008 presidential election. Utilizing similar Photoshop methods as Fairey, and with a new upcoming president in mind, they each created their own poster, depicting who (or what) they would like to see in the White House this next year:
Unique bike racks have been scattered throughout the Pittsburgh city streets, providing bikers a safe yet artsy home for bicycles. Particularly one bike rack, created by Connor McNabb, features a bright yellow steel beam that symbolizes the industrial history within our city.
The construction zone behind the bike rack compliments the whole idea of McNabb’s creation. It sticks out among the intersection with its lively color and many people find it appealing.
“To me the bike racks add some fun to a boring bike ride to work,” said Pittsburgh citizen, Kim Williams.
Similar to his design, which may be confusing and mysterious for some cyclists, McNabb seems to be a reclusive artist who has yet to explain the story behind his certain rack.
McNabb’s design can be found just across the street from Sammy’s Famous Corned Beef at the intersection of Liberty and 6th Street.
As you’re pulling up to the Benedum Center on 7th Street, you turn your head and witness a remarkable little object that’s both functional and fashionable.
Shaped like the great grey giants in the sky, the bike rack that adorns the sidewalk across from the entrance to the Benedum Center features an active thunderstorm, with two clouds and three lightning bolts.
Spawned from the mind of 42-year-old Carin Mincemoyer, this interesting art installation was put in place in mid-2014 as a part of a movement by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust to install 30 artistic bike racks in the Cultural District of Pittsburgh over the next few years, according to Kellie Gormly, staff writer of Trib Total Media.
As of now, according to Gormly, only five have been built, each having a $3,000 budget.
Alongside the other artists’ designs, this little gem displays the feel of the Cultural District immediately upon entering downtown Pittsburgh.
Showing off the cosmopolitan environment of the region, the bike rack stands close to a bench seating area, and immediately grabs the attention of the average passerby.
According to Mincemoyer, one of the major inspirations of the work is the connection between biking and nature.
In addition, she and the other artists felt that there was a need for more bike racks, and they figured it was the perfect opportunity to bridge the gap between art and infrastructure.
With a stainless steel frame in its original silver color, the piece gives off a stormy and dreary mood, like the thundercloud that it represents.
However, despite the temperament of the rack, the bike rack is especially unique because it also captures the nostalgia of long-time Pittsburgh residents.
As we all know, Pittsburgh weather isn’t always sunshine and rainbows.
More often than not, stepping outside gives you a bleak and dismal feeling when you look upon that grey sky.
This piece easily captures that sensation, creating a harmonious feeling when it comes to the weather of Pittsburgh.
To find this functional sculpture, take a seven minute walk down Wood Street, make a left on Sixth Avenue, and take a soft right on 7th street, and enjoy the view of a wonderful and enriching piece of art.
This bike rack, created by Carin Mincemoyer, brings a cosmopolitan feel to one entrance of downtown Pittsburgh
Across the street from the Benedum Center, an oddly twisted piece of metal stands waiting for a biker in need.
Bike racks installed by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust bring new function to public art.
This practical, unusually-shaped bike rack on Liberty Avenue is provides a place to store up to six bikes. The unique metal structure provides an aesthetically pleasing sight for onlookers. The art piece is made from galvanized steel which ties in the city’s industrial history.
Artist Colin David Carrier hand-crafted the structure in his shop in Pittsburgh after his proposal was accepted by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.
Biking is an easy way to get around the city of Pittsburgh, where bike lanes are often busy with traffic. However, many bikers struggle to find a parking spot for their two-wheeled vehicles when the streets fill with bicycles.
While unlocking his bike from the rack, a Pittsburgh biker states that “the more bike racks, the better.” This feeling is a common belief throughout the cultural district, in fact, there are plans to install more artistic bike racks in late 2015.
By Kathleen Fisher-Kremer, Olivia Ranalli, and Tori Reginelli
In the heart of Pittsburgh’s Cultural District, surrounded by the Harris Theater and Arcade Comedy Theatre on one side, and the SPACE Gallery on the other, sits a bike rack with a whimsical twist.
In his proposal to the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, local artist Colin David Carrier describes his bike rack as “a solid steel sculptural piece that combines fluid movement with heavy, hand-forged elements.”
The rack catches the eye of passersby with its unique twisted shape. Upon first glance, the rack seems able to only hold two bikes. However, as bikers begin to lock their bikes up, it is apparent that it can safely fit up to six. The artists’ sculpting, blacksmithing and metalworking skills are displayed in this piece with its many curved angles and simple utility.
In response to requests to further accommodate Pittsburgh’s cyclists, The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust installed Carrier’s work, along with four other Pittsburgh-based artists’ bike racks. The racks are both functional and visually appealing.
Bikers looking for a safe and distinctive location to house their bikes can find this rack on Liberty Avenue in the Cultural District, directly in front of the SPACE gallery.
The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust has collaborated with local artists to build five new bike racks that also function as public art displays. With cycling being many people’s choice of transportation, the new racks bring a unique and distinctive feel to the city.
“As a Pittsburgh bicyclist, I approve. They look cool and are functional,” said Alyssa Lynn.
Of the five new racks, one which stood out in particular was the Airplane, created by Toby Fraley. The rack, made of galvanized steel, serves as a suitable stop for cafes and restaurants. Another convenient aspect of this specific rack is that it is located directly next to a bike lane.
The display shows several airplanes shooting out of the clouds. Standing at almost six feet tall, the rack can’t go unnoticed. The rack is large enough to provide space for several bikes, serving its main function.
The work of art allows people to escape their everyday lives. They can walk by, see these airplanes, and “travel” to a new place of mind.
Bridgeville artist, Fraley, wanted to portray the main purpose as an art piece and not just a bike rack. “I wanted people to not look at it [the bike rack] and just immediately think, ‘Oh, it’s a bike rack,’” he said.
The bike rack is located on the corner of Penn Avenue and 9th Street, in front of the Nine on Nine Restaurant.
Point Park Multimedia 