The Bikes of Stages

Deceptively simple. Naive. Childlike. All words that might be used to describe the first look at Yoshitomo Nara's work. Inspection reveals a deeper truth — saws, knives, and sharp implements often grace the hands of his young subjects, who often possess a look of anger, cynicism, or concern.

One of Japan's most influential modern-art stars, Yoshitomo Nara creates deceptively simple images of children whose outwardly cute demeanor oftentimes belies more dark and brooding motivations. A deeply obsessed music fan, Nara's hardcore rock 'n' roll attitude in some way permeates all of his work, and it is this essential punk spirit that tinges his imagery with a palpable energy that brings his characters into an exciting new dimension.

To pay homage to Lance's renewed racing career, Nara embellished his Trek Speed Concept bike for the July 23rd Annecy Individual Time Trial with a cartoon motif of children in boxing gloves and flying UFOs, along with a LIVESTRONG logo written in bubbly cloud lettering. In a personal gesture, Nara also included a moving inspirational message handwritten across the top tube of the bike's frame, visible only when Armstrong's head is deep in an aerodynamic tuck: "Never Forget Your Beginner's Spirit."