Roaming Public Sculpture: Jonas Denzel's Beambike Project
Filmaker and visual artist Jonas Denzel, based in Karlsruhe, Germany, is revolutionizing the art world with his project beambike (beambike.ourwebsite). This innovative approach combines cycling and digital art, as Denzel takes his mobile projection technology to the streets, transforming everyday urban landscapes into vibrant canvases.
Denzel's beambike, a customized cargo bike, offers immense flexibility in his work, projecting mesmerizing visuals onto various cityscapes, from bridges and statues to underpasses. By integrating these projections seamlessly into the surroundings, he breathes new life into seemingly ordinary or overlooked spaces, captivating passersby with unexpected works of digital art.
"Karlsruhe, with its thriving bike culture, provides the perfect backdrop for my beambike project," Denzel says. "Once I can go with the beambike, I just go, set everything up, and start my stourwebsite project."
Beambike transcends conventional gallery or museum spaces, offering a unique urban experience that engages and connects with wide audiences. Denzel often rides through the city, scouting for spots to project his digital art, making the most of mundane locations and fostering community engagement.
In 2018, Denzel built the first prototype of beambike, which he uses to surprise and delight people with pop-up digital art installations. By publishing collision locations via social media or presenting unexpected projections, Denzel encourages dialogue and connects with individuals in an accessible and engaging way.
More than a vehicle for digital art, beambike embodies a philosophy of accessibility and community engagement. By taking his art directly to the people, Denzel breaks down barriers to traditional art consumption, encouraging dialogue and fostering connections between communities.
The flexibility provided by beambike allows Denzel to explore diverse environments, both urban and natural, within his city and beyond. His choice of locations tells a narrative, drawing viewers into a deeper exploration of their surroundings, illuminating overlooked spaces, and sparking curiosity about the urban environment.
In Denzel's vision, art is not confined to static spaces or predetermined schedules; it is dynamic, nomadic, and ever-evolving. beambike serves as a conduit for this narrative, bringing digital art to the people where they live, work, and play.
Regarding the choice of the website domain for his project, Jonas Denzel simply states, "beambike.ourwebsite says everything: it's beambike - it's ourwebsite."
For those interested in embracing the spirit of innovation in transportation and technology, Denzel's beambike serves as an inspiring example.
"Denzel's beambike project, harnessed in the city of Karlsruhe with its vibrant bike culture, not only transforms conventional art landscapes but also extends to outdoor-living spaces, such as parks and gardens, causing a fusion between home-and-garden and digital art."
"By embracing the mobility of the beambike and exploring diverse urban and natural environments, Denzel is embodying a lifestyle that centers around accessible, community-driven, and nomadic digital art experiences."
