If you are not into art in the broadest sense of the word, then the name Daniel Arsham may not mean everything to you. But if you like music, clothes and even vehicles, then there is a great chance that you have stumbled upon it at least once.
Daniel Arsham is one of the most daring artists of our time. Based in New York, he is involved in everything from art to architecture, but also plays in the fields of design and film. Why, the man has also made a name for himself in the automotive world, having been involved (mainly) with the German manufacturer Porsche.
When it comes to vehicles (and object-based art in general), Arsham has a unique style that he and his followers like to call the erosion method. This means that things produced in the 20th century, or more specifically during the millennial era, look a thousand years old. It does this by carefully modifying its appearance, and many times by damaging objects on purpose.
The general idea behind man’s creations is to create something they like to call fictional archeology – which basically means that objects look a bit like they’ve been blown up thousands of years ago. now from the next generations of humans, as they try to learn more. their ancestors.
What results from this work are the so-called relics of the present. If you’ve seen our coverage of Arsham’s latest Porsche work, you know what that means. if not, check out one of his most recent works of Porsche art we discovered, the slanted nose 964 RWBA.
But the Porsches are not here to discuss today, but something that is described as the “The most exclusive partnership in the motorcycle world.” It would be a link between Arsham and the motorcycle manufacturer MV Agusta that resulted in an extraordinary piece of engineering and art, only half a dozen people in this world will ever enjoy it in the proper sense.
The bike in this modified form is called MV Agusta Superveloce Arsham, and although it has not undergone any mechanical, structural or performance modifications, it is probably the most exciting motorcycle project of the whole year.
The special bike was shown to the world at the end of the week during the Miami Art Basel event. It’s based on the standard Superveloce motorcycle, if there ever was a standard Superveloce, and that already means excitement in a very cool package.
At the time of writing, the Italian bicycle manufacturer offers the motorcycle, its most emblematic product as the company itself likes to say, in three variants, namely 800, S, and 98. The range is powered by the same 798cc, three cylinders. engine that gives a massive 147 horses at 13,000 rpm, all that weighs only 173 kg (381 pounds).
All numbers above are valid for the Arsham edition of the bicycle also, but now, instead of the gray, red and black colors, the Superveloces usually come, this is a blinding white, one of the favorite tones for the artist to dress his creations.
Pure white has been used in all parts of the body that allow it to be used, and when seen from afar the bike can be like the purity on the wheels. A closer look, however, reveals the race’s intentionally skewed appearance in the places that matter most.
Arsham skillfully uses his erosion technique on the bike, so we are now presented with an artistic decay that we don’t mind. You can see the artist’s work clearly displayed on the bike’s fairing, on the left body cover, and on the rear fender.
This created something that MV Agusta calls a neo-retro design that was inspired “MV Agusta’s glorious racing heritage.”
Photo: MV Agusta
The project comes across as something that both art historians and the motorcycle industry will remember, but not something that will be enjoyed firsthand by too many people.
It would be a bit much to call it MV Agusta Super speed Arsham a limited edition, as it will make you think that tens of maybe hundreds of them are to be made. Not the case, as there will only be six of these beauties ever produced.
And don’t go around hoping you can somehow get your hands on one of them. All six MV Agusta Superveloce Arsham motorcycles have already been spoken for, and are now reserved for major MV Agusta customers and Daniel Arsham collectors.
This also means that we will never learn how much the bike manufacturer and the artist leave these things for the past week. Sometime in the future, maybe one of them will open for sale, and we will have a sense of the price then.
I’m pretty sure that despite the relatively minor modifications made, the effect this two-wheeler has on people the instant they see it is far more valuable than the $24,598. MV Agusta demands Superveloce production.
Insightful piece