MAMILs
I have always looked at us (yes, me too), men of a certain age in lycra cycling outfits, as a tragicomical phenomenon. And a while ago, I decided that they are in fact a pretty good representation of man/life in general. So I decided to put brush to canvas, and here we are.
The prime subject of this series of portraits – of five of my cycling buddies – is compassion. Compassion for people, who are giving it a go, each in their own way. We move through wind and rain, past endless pretty and not-so-pretty sights, dealing with flat tires and other malfunctions, alternating suffering with joy, and all that in a slightly too tight, perhaps rather ridiculous outfit.
We forget how it all can end at any moment. We may act tough, but we are very vulnerable.
Here is a man. He rode his bike for a few miles and has still got his kit on.
The five portraits were all painted from life in oil on canvas, and measure 100 cm by 130 cm. They will be shown together for the first time as part of the group exhibit “Update” in the exhibition rooms of Art et Amicitiae in Amsterdam, from Friday February 14 until Sunday March 16 2025.
