Philadelphia Art Gallery Exhibit: Velo+City: The Social History of the Bicycle – Lisa M. Reisman Gallery

Last week, Velo+City: The Social History of the Bicycle opened at Rittenhouse Square’s belle epoque-era gallery and gift destination – Lisa M. Reisman et Cie. The show presents a diverse and compelling collection of original prints, vintage posters, and ephemera. This exhibition visually details the rise of the bicycle over its 150-year history. The works follow the bicycle’s development from a dangerous object of ridicule and plaything of aristocrats to a democratized form of leisure and transportation for all
The curators for the show, Campbell and Michael with gallery owner Lisa M. Reisman. Michael tells me his favorite bike is a Flying Dutchman which was a gift from his dad. Campbell doesn’t ride, but she loves the culture of the bike and celebrates it. She did a lot of the research of Victorian women and their relationship with bikes, as they weren’t really allowed to ride them until the 1900s because of safety issues, and well skirts.
The culture of the bicycle is so true. To me the bicycle is a tool I use to get exercise, perhaps to get from place A to place B, but not as much. Who loves the bicycle more than the bike messengers of Philadelphia; they were in the majority of those enjoying this opening night.
As a photographer I have always been fascinated by bike messengers, often trying to sneak a photo here or there, but scared that like in the movie the “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” one of them would turn and point and let out a scretch. A closed culture, rebels, nomads and what I observed as a bit crazy as they weave their bikes at tops speeds through city traffic trying to make that run. They were in fact a bit suspicious at first, but then welcoming as they opened up telling me about their favorites bikes, as many own more than one, and explaining what the bicycle ment to them.
Nadja & Tom, a bit cautious of who I was, but smiles that lit up the room. You know how I like a good smile.
And then in all too short of time I had to leave and go to the next event. But I will be back before the exhibits last day, as it runs through Aug. 14, it’s free and you have no excuse not to stop by and see this fascinating exhibit of prints and lithographs. They are all for sale too!!
Bikers like the Amish, but they watch TV.