Torrance, CA – Exploring the relationship between protection and the human body, Alpinestars and artist Death Spray Custom collaborate to create a unique and visually striking race suit.
The “Anatomy” suit, designed by London-based Death Spray Custom (AKA David Gwyther) was hand built in Alpinestars’ race factory in Northern Italy as part of a consistent effort to fuse art, design, technology and racing. Alpinestars invited DSC to their European headquarters last year to consult with technicians and explore the idea of creating a custom collaborative suit that would offer the same amount of protection as a standard Alpinestars suit, but with an artistic agenda as well. Gwyther, who frequently draws from motorsports and all forms of transportation for inspiration, is an avid motorcyclist and all-around bona fide gear head. He saw this partnership as new medium and a new canvas to apply his craft.
“Human anatomy is a theme I have much fascination with and is something I've often visited in previous works. The anatomy model is a visual motif that, even from an early age, was intriguing as a timeless piece of art in itself. Part sculpture, part puzzle and all educational.” said Gwyther. “We see it referenced culturally in many ways from Hirst to Kaws, though my inspiration was an artist from a different field, AMA legend David Aldana. He raced in black leathers with a white skeleton over print. Think a dirtrack Donnie Darko. I wanted to create the next generation version. It's a very simple idea; the best ideas often appear that way."
Elaborating on the project and why Alpinestars was the ideal partner, he said, “I guess the conflict of protection and the human body is never more apparent than in motorcycles and motor sport. Obviously Alpinestars understands that dichotomy more than anyone. Combining that knowledge with their technical and creative expertise made for a unique and compelling project.”
The Anatomy suit features a variety of bovine and kangaroo leathers, which were carefully selected to achieve the texture, color and effect of a traditional anatomy model. A red (as opposed to black) mesh liner was selected to further emphasize the anatomy theme. The Anatomy suit will be debuted this weekend at the Southsiders MC “Wheels and Waves” event in Biarritz France.
About Alpinestars:
Alpinestars was established in 1963 and has grown into a world-leading manufacturer of professional racing products, high-performance apparel, technical footwear and sportswear. Alpinestars outfits World Champion athletes in nearly every discipline of motorsports from F1, NASCAR, AMA Supercross, MotoGP and everything in between. The Anatomy suit and other Alpinestars special projects can be found at the Astars Reserve page: www.alpinestars.com/astarsreserve
About Death Spray Custom:
Death Spray Custom is the studio moniker of UK based artist David Gwyther. DSC explores intersections of culture, design and art and injects them with a healthy dose of transportation. While much of DSC’s canvases are sourced from bike, motorcycle and car culture, the stories his art tells vary greatly. While one piece might just aim to explore form, shape and symmetry, another might make bold social commentary.
www. deathspraycustom.com