A Soft Spot for Saab

While much of the focus of the car crises of late has been on the domestic auto industry, the reverberations are felt around the world. The auto industry in Sweden is a crucial part of the country’s backbone. I saw this affinity for auto culture firsthand, traveling to Trollhatten for Saab’s 60th anniversary in 2007. Thousands of Saab fanatics braved unseasonably steamy long summer days and nights to revel in the history. It was a sight to behold indeed —... Read More

Car, Newspapers and the Arts: Read All About It

Routines are part of our day. Mine begins with the newspaper. It hits the door with a soothing thud. But my routine has changed in the past weeks. It’s gotten to the point where I flip to the arts pages first to focus on the fact that really, for most of us, life is still going on, and there’s still some food on the table. (Thank goodness for the arts and the existence of art sections!) After all, real art doesn’t always take a lot of money *why the 70s still... Read More

Lee Quinones to the Maximum: 2009 Nissan Maxima

Our artistically-inclined Gotryke contributor/test driver Lee Quinones has some reflections after some time behind the wheel of the 2009 Nissan Maxima. Notes from Lee’s time in the field: As soon as I get into a ride I can read off all its goods and bad like a Presidential speech. This coach read off swell and well to me. The interior was very manageable with all of the control buttons to stereos, heating, GPS etc reachable by your fingertips with one eye closed. The... Read More

William Rast Struts Biker Chic at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

While the rest of America moved through a bank holiday-like Monday, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week was in full hustle and bustle on it’s fourth day. The tents were busy, but the mood was populist among designers who favored well-worn, in the trenches fare. Right on the money or at least in agreement with the sentiment of the time was the disheveled denim of William Rast, the brand famously partly helmed by Justin Timberlake and his childhood best friend Trace Ayala.[click... Read More

Custom Car Commandos

Kenneth Anger’s short film Kustom Kar Kommandos is the historical touchstone for the current exhibition at the non-profit gallery Art in General. The 1965 film depicts a man in tight jeans buffing his car with “Dream Lover” playing in the background, a seemingly mundane task, but one that invokes the raw emotion of the material relationship and America’s love affair with the automobile. The show, curated by Sandra Skurvida, focuses on reexamining this relationship... Read More

Adventures of a Puerto Rican Artist in NYC

Our newest Gotryke contributor is artist Sofia Maldonado who leads a fast-paced life in New York City, balancing art and part time jobs, from the vantage point of skateboard, bus and subway. Sofia was born in Puerto Rico in 1984. During her undergraduate studies she painted numerous murals, with or without permission, in abandoned buildings, barrios and indoor spaces as a way to bring beauty to each site. By creating her own visual language with bright colors and flowing brush... Read More

Random News from the Shepard Fairey Camp

Nothing to do with intellectual property, police patrol of graffiti or a special President Obama poster commemorative series. Shepard Fairey is back to printmaking — or at least revisiting the process. The Obey Giant posse releases Japanese Fabric prints. The set is sold as a set of four, 18 x 18 inches in a limited edition set of 100. They go on sale Feb. 13, at a “random time.” Randomness is an intriguing notion in the exploration of time and chance. Collectors,... Read More

2009 Nissan Maxima: drive it to the max

Pessimism. Yawn symphony — we’re tired of it. Yes, things are tough out there. But, we’ve got to keep going. One day people will need to buy new cars and we’ll bet they’ll be looking for new things that they actually might like — a spring cleaning of sorts. The 2009 Nissan Maxima reeks of spring-like sensations. Here’s another instance where I was reminded that I could change my mind about a perception of an average commuter car with... Read More

Litte Pink Riding Hood: Moto Racer Nicole Cheza rocks Pink Partz gear

We’ve been digging deeper into bike culture, but for those of us new to chaps, leather and protective gear, the question is what to wear? There’s plenty for the fellas, but most riding for wear is not designed specifically for the ladies. However, with the growing number of both women and men riding daily, that could change quickly. We turn to the example of Michigan motorcycle race Nicole Cheza who rocks, Pink Partz, a new apparel company that makes gear for the... Read More

Consumer Reports on Two Wheels: Vespa and Kymco are Born to Test Drive

With fluctuating fuel prices and eco-concerns, we reported a few months ago that motorcycles are gaining speed. Consumer Reports, the end all be all of practical, unbiased buying advice is getting backing in the two-wheeled game to reach the rising number of drivers opting for two-wheeled transportation. The results are in — Vespa, Kymco and the Kawasaki Ninja 250 take top honors. On the test track: three 50cc scooters, three scooters in the 125cc to 150cc range and two... Read More