“It’s About the Bike:” A gallery from the Lance Armstrong bike exhibit and auction

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Remember all those sweet, custom painted Trek bikes that Lance Armstrong rode in various comeback races this past season? Well, now the bikes are making a post-season, cameo comeback of their own.

A number of them were designed, and in some cases actually painted by, famous artists. In fact, fully 25 world-renowned artists, plus Nike and Trek, donated their time and efforts to a season-long project in support of the Lance Armstrong Foundation’s anti-cancer initiatives. The project is culminating this fall with two exhibits in New York City: an art exhibit called “STAGES,” and a smaller exhibition and private auction at Sotheby’s called “It’s About the Bike.”

These exhibitions unite the world of art, philanthropy and sport by bringing together critically acclaimed artists to produce work inspired by Armstrong and his efforts to reduce the global cancer burden. All work is available for purchase with proceeds directly benefiting Livestrong.

The STAGES art exhibit premiered at the Galerie Emmanuel Perrotin in Paris during the Tour de France last July. It opens to the public in the US at Deitch Projects, October 31 through November 21, before culminating at Art Basel Miami Beach in December. STAGES features art by Cai Guo-Qiang, Rosson Crow, Jules De Balincourt, Dzine, Shepard Fairey, Futura, Andreas Gursky, KAWS, Geoff McFetridge, Yoshitomo Nara, Catherine Opie, Os Gemeos, José Parlá, Raymond Pettibon, Lari Pittman, Richard Prince, Ed Ruscha, Tom Sachs, Kenny Scharf, Eric White, Christopher Wool, Dustin Yellin and Aaron Young.

In addition to STAGES, Fairey, KAWS, Nara and Scharf join Damien Hirst and Marc Newson for “It’s About the Bike,” an exhibition featuring the seven bikes ridden by Armstrong in his 2009 comeback season. The bikes, donated by Trek, are on exhibit at Sotheby’s New York from October 26 through 31. They will be sold at a private auction on Sunday, November 1.

In a press release from the Lance Armstrong Foundation, Armstrong said, “Each of these artists gave their time to this cause, and, because of their generosity, they will help LIVESTRONG continue to inspire and empower people affected by cancer.”

“Through the dollars that we raise, we’ll increase awareness, fund research and work to end the stigma about cancer that many survivors face.”

The Sotheby’s auction is by invitation only. Interested parties can call (512) 279-8356 for more information. For more information on the STAGES exhibit, visit www.stages09.com.

FILED UNDER: Bikes and Tech TAGS: Lance Armstrong / Trek