After L.B. Jefferies from Alfred Hitchcock’s ’’Rear Window’’ had broken his leg, he killed time spying on his neighbors and became a hero by accident. Analogously, after his motocross adventure had gone wrong, American artist Maxwell Hazan spent three months recovering and wistfully looking at the beach cruiser bicycle in his living room. The result? No, he didn’t become the contemporary version of Hercule Poirot, but he upgraded the said bike by adding an engine to it, and this was just the beginning.
The Royal Enfield project was inspired by the photo of an Enfield that Hazan’s sister had rented in India. The designer bought a 1996 Royal Enfield, and after six months of thoroughgoing manual craftsmanship he managed to turn it into a unique piece. Immediately observable is the strong contrast of the silvered components of the frame and engine vis-à-vis the brown hand-carved wooden seat (in the style of vintage Italian speedboats) and patinated fuel tank. That being said, the mechanism is completely bare and left to be admired due to its engine and a double cam system with bronze chains.
Harley Davidson Ironhead is the name of yet another of the artist’s brainchild. In order to complete this plan, he opted for his ’’peer’’, a 1981 Harley. Again, the engine is there to be seen and adored, only this time the fuel tank is aesthetically equally enjoyable. And how could it not be when it was first made and then three times remodeled in favor of a smaller, more elegant and just the perfect component resembling a leaping salmon.
Hazan started Hazan Motors in Brooklyn in 2012, and so far he has built four bikes, including the last two that were made from square one. Now, the aforementioned pair is being exhibited at the MB&F’s Geneva-based M.A.D. Gallery, renowned for showcasing the work of some of the world’s most visionary inventors.
April 7, 2014
Parsons
Harrington College of Design
Scuola Politecnica di Design
Academy of Design Australia
LOFT 42
Red Dot design award
