BLACK HORIZONS: January 2014

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

PLYMOUTH BARRACUDA

LIVING LOST: KURPIUS PHOTO EXHIBIT

The Harley-Davidson Museum opens Living Lost Photographs by Josh Kurpius on Jan. 17, its newest exhibit featuring more than 30 original works by custom bike builder, rider and photographer Josh Kurpius. Living Lost is a presentation of photographs taken during a series of road trips across the country on a chopped 1977 Harley-Davidson motorcycle. The images give an honest, open look at the uninhibited lifestyle of a group of nomadic bikers out to explore the American panorama. “Josh’s photos embody the freedom and independence that is the very essence of Harley-Davidson,” said Bill Davidson, vice president of the Harley-Davidson Museum. “His photographs give visitors a look into a world of exploration and camaraderie that only the open road can provide.” From the stunning juxtaposition of a roaring Harley-Davidson next to a quiet countryside, to the uncensored look into the lives of a close group of friends, Kurpius captures the timeless enticement of a life lived on the road with his motorcycle. The photos not only depict the raw beauty of America, but the beauty of the off-moments that reveal themselves in serendipitous ways. The vintage machines Kurpius and his friends ride can only go so far without refueling or needing maintenance, and they often find themselves stopping in places barely noticeable if restricted to the confines of a car. The bike Kurpius rode on these adventures, a chopped 1977 Harley-Davidson Ironhead Sportster nicknamed “The Locust,” is being displayed in the Museum lobby during a portion of the exhibit. The exhibit opening coincides with Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward Gallery Night. Visitors receive free admission on Jan. 17 from 5-9 p.m. Living Lost runs through May 18 on the bridge between the Museum and Archives buildings. Additional Living Lost Event Living Lost Photography Exhibit Party with Josh Kurpius and Special Musical Guest Mount Salem in the Harley-Davidson Museum Garage Saturday, Feb. 1; doors open at 8 p.m.; concert at 9:30 p.m. Meet Josh Kurpius, view his exhibit at the Museum, and revel in the stripped-down psychedelic music of Mount Salem. Cash bar. Tickets are $10, include admission to both the Museum exhibit and the Mount Salem concert and are available on Feb. 1 at h-dmuseum.com and in the Museum lobby.