Some 24 colorful mobile sculptures and “art cycles” took to Key West’s streets Saturday in a people-powered parade of kinetic creativity.
Described as a “moveable feast” of recycled and renegade art, the Papio Kinetic Sculpture and Art Bike Parade saluted the late Florida Keys folk artist Stanley Papio. The pioneering metal sculptor was famed for his offbeat recycled creations crafted out of discarded car parts, pipes and other machine scraps.
During the procession, sculptural floats with moving elements, elaborately decorated bicycles, tricycles and other mobile masterpieces were propelled by humans along Key West’s Duval Street.
“There’s no motors, there’s no gas, there’s nothing on these — it’s all human-powered sculptures that are moving down the street,” said Michael Gieda, executive director of the Key West Art & Historical Society that staged the parade.
Standout entries included a large-scale seahorse merry-go-round, an elaborate coral reef ensemble, a large pirate ship with tattered sails, a multicolored octopus surrounded by strolling jellyfish and a female “Ben HER” piloting a glittering aquatic chariot.
“You don’t need to be highly skilled or an accomplished artist to really participate in something like this,” said Gieda. “This is for anybody of all backgrounds and all experience levels to come together, be creative and just embrace recycling, embrace our environment and embrace art.”
Besides the parade, Key Westers continue their salute to Papio on Sunday with a picnic and Kinetic Kids Day at Fort East Martello Museum, home to a permanent Papio exhibition.
Disclaimer
The information contained in South Florida Reporter is for general information purposes only.
The South Florida Reporter assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in the contents of the Service.
In no event shall the South Florida Reporter be liable for any special, direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental damages or any damages whatsoever, whether in an action of contract, negligence or other tort, arising out of or in connection with the use of the Service or the contents of the Service. The Company reserves the right to make additions, deletions, or modifications to the contents of the Service at any time without prior notice.
The Company does not warrant that the Service is free of viruses or other harmful components