Taliah Lempert "Lady Spaceliner Rear View 5"
oil on paper, 40" x 30," 2015
Lempert’s work combines the two things that she is most passionate about, painting and cycling. "Bicycles are important, beautiful, and worth a close look. Most bikes I paint are, or have been, used daily for transportation, recreation, messenger work and/or for racing. They are worn and customized uniquely, being at once a specific bike and a collective symbol of empowerment."
Since 1996, cycling has been the primary mode of transportation for Lempert. She raced at the Kissena Velodrome in Queens, NY from 1999-2007 and won the state championship in 2000 for the Women’s Matched Sprint. For nearly twenty years Lempert has been painting bicycles from observation in her studio, often borrowing bikes from friends, colleagues or for a commission. She has painted notable cyclists over the years including Connie Carpenter’s 1984 Olympic win road bike, Jaquie Phelan’s Championship winning Cunningham, Andy Hampsten’s 1988 Giro winning Land Shark and Greg LeMond’s 1990 Tour de France winning LeMond road bike.
Taliah Lempert, "Silhouette Prints 2015 3"
screenprint, 11" x 8," Edit. 40, 2015
In addition to her painting, Lempert uses her original cycling imagery to create an array of other items such as limited edition prints, drawings, silkscreen t-shirts, postcards, coloring books and more. In 2005 she began selling her work at street fairs and flea markets in NYC, including the Brooklyn Flea where she is a regular vendor.
Lempert’s work excites both the cycling and art communities alike, and has been exhibited in galleries and alternative spaces worldwide. In 2012 she was selected to participate in the NYC DOT Urban Arts Barrier Beautification program and completed a 600-foot mural on a separated bike lane barrier on Flushing Ave in Brooklyn. Over the years she has worked with such clients as The Museum of Modern Art Design Store, Magma, Moss, Paul Smith, Velo Vino, Blue Stockings, Terry Bicycles, Steward & Stand and Taking the Lane. Taliah lives and works in Brooklyn, New York. She studied at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston and the New York Academy of Art, and continues to live and work in Brooklyn, New York.
Taliah Lempert, "Paramount With Adjustable Stem 3"
oil on canvas, 16" x 12," 2015
The opening reception for "Bespoken: Cycle Artwork from Taliah Lempert" will be this Friday, July 15th from 6 - 8 p.m. at CW Gallery, 375 Atlantic Ave. Brooklyn NY 11217.
Her work can be seen at:
http://collierwest.com/collections/bespoke-cycle-artwork-from-taliah-lempert