Art meets motorcycles at LA show

From Pirelli North America

LOS ANGELES, CA -- A display of fine art, inspired by passion’s urgency, themed through the medium of motorcycling, and realized on the objects of road racing culture (a motorcycle, helmets and apparel), opens to the public noon, Sunday, July 12, at the SURU Gallery in Los Angeles.

The show, entitled Celeritas (Latin for speed, like in accelerate), features helmets, apparel and a 2009 Suzuki Hayabusa, each painted by one of 14 trend-setting fine artist, helmet artist Troy Lee, musician/artist Joe Hahn, and welder/biker-cum-risk-taker Jesse James. Limited edition Ts and other items related to the show will also be available for purchase.

All proceeds from the show’s sales will benefit the official charity of MotoGP, Riders for Health, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to funding the purchase and servicing of motorcycles for transportation of medical personnel to remote communities in Africa, that would otherwise be without medical care.

This show is conceived and curated by motorcyclist/actor John Hensley, known primarily for his role on the award-winning series Nip/Tuck, and Linkin Park band member Joe Hahn, owner of the SURU Gallery. Pirelli Tire North America is a proud sponsor of this exciting cross-over exhibit of motorcycling and fine art, in concert with American Suzuki Motors, Oakley, Troy Lee and Alpinestars.

Scott Griffin, VP of Pirelli Motorcycle Tire North America, said, “This sponsorship is a natural fit for Pirelli, a company defined by passion. We have a proud and long history of working with artists, actors, and photographers to create Pirelli’s world-famous calendars, videos and other works art. Applying this passion for the benefit of Riders for Health doubles the importance of this creative exhibit and we applaud John and Joe for this incredible accomplishment.”

The show opens to the public Sunday, July 12, at noon, and will run through August 16. Pirelli Tire encourages those interested to be certain to plan an early visit to the show, because the window for viewing of these works of art in this venue closes after 30 days. Artwork, and limited-edition clothing designed for the show, will be available for purchase for the duration of the exhibit, or for as long as supplies last. The SURU gallery is located at 7662 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, www.suru-la.com.