An artistic installation will soon be unveiled at the Avangard Stadium—an artwork depicting a racer revving up kilometers on a cinder track. The grand opening is planned to coincide with the conclusion of the current season, when both our team and visiting rivals will be in Vladivostok. The racer and his motorcycle are crafted from repurposed auto parts, metal scraps, washers, bolts, nuts, and gears. This piece is a gift to the city from the creator, Mikhail Kinash. However, this is just a part of the overall composition honoring the Primorsky speedway; Mikhail will complete and assemble the rest next year.
“The racer will be riding on one wheel, just like in the pictures,” Mikhail explains, displaying enlarged photographs spread across the table. “Here’s Grigory Laguta, here from Turbina, this is Renat Gafurov from Megalada, and this is some Brit… All that’s left is to install the engine, make tires for the wheels, and that’s it.”
Currently, the racer only has a helmet. Mikhail Kinash mentions that this is the most important part; the body will be easier to construct—an initial frame will be made from rods, and then it will be assembled. The racer gazes at the stands, noting that the front wheel will turn in the opposite direction. The discs are from a cinder-covered Jawa motorcycle, which Mikhail discovered in the old stock of the Vostok club four years ago. He notes that they don’t manufacture them like that anymore, as different materials are now used. The tires will also be metallic but designed to resemble rubber—both in shape and size, measuring seven centimeters in height. The tread will have a checkerboard pattern, much like real tires.
Every component of the motorcycle comes from “Jawa”—the frame and engine, as the engine is Italian but similar to “Jawa’s.” However, the “racer” has only one original engine part; Mikhail will fabricate the rest himself:
“These ‘Jawas’ are retired; they’ve seen better days. The frames provided by ‘Vostok’ are damaged, bent, and cracked. I weld everything and restore it.”
Of course, the racer will be life-sized—he needs to be proportionate to the motorcycle. Mikhail believes that creating this artistic piece is not particularly complicated.
“Motorcycles are generally straightforward. Well, except for the wheel components… The front wheel won’t spin; it will just hang in the air. It needs to be clearly visible, with prominent tread details. The rear wheel will be in motion, and we must somehow convey that torque… like in a photograph. It requires some thought.”
We also need to calculate the balance. The pedestal will support a motorcycle on one wheel, along with the body.
“The front wheel will be raised about a meter off the ground,” Mikhail demonstrates the positioning while sitting behind the wheel. “And we will achieve balance thanks to the athlete. People will likely want to climb onto it; we need to account for that as well.”
The motorcycle frame is currently in the yard of the Ironworks workshop and is still a work in progress.
– Will you finish in time? The body isn’t complete yet.
– Of course, I understand my capabilities.
The racer is only the initial part of the project, expected to be installed soon ahead of the season’s conclusion. The remaining components will follow later. It will serve as a tribute to the team’s glory, detailing the years when Vostok triumphed. The team was established in 1962, which means the installation will reflect the sixties, seventies, eighties, and beyond…
– We have four athletes performing, right? Each will represent a specific era. They’ll be lined up, but on different motorcycles and in varied outfits. The main rider is already in place; I will carve out the others on paper sheets, including the years. This is a long-term endeavor, undoubtedly. Next year.
– Are you a racer too?
– I’m a fan.
– A long-time loyal fan?
– I have been following speedway since 1980. Our team is the best, even if we don’t stand a chance this year. The idea struck me last year, but I found out that the current stadium director, Konstantin Tsybulin, had thought of it long before and wanted to organize everything… out of plaster and concrete… I discovered this only when I shared my proposal. But I’m not seeking recognition for it. There were two sponsors who contributed 100,000 rubles, but that doesn’t cover the expenses—the total project cost is around 800,000. It’s clear that people are busy with other things right now; I’m almost funding this myself.
This is not Mikhail Kinash’s first artistic project. In 2023, he participated in the Metacenters project, which unites creative individuals eager to transform the streets and public spaces of Vladivostok.
Mikhail rarely focuses on just one project; he typically juggles several at once. Currently, he is also working on Aztecs—“Indian” artworks are displayed in ways that captivate viewers:
“If there’s no inspiration, try something different. Take a day or two to switch gears, then return with fresh ideas. That’s how you work.”
On a shelf in the workshop, authentic, non-metal helmets are neatly arranged.
– I’ll only ride my motorcycle once a year; I have a motocross bike. We’ll showcase our “racer” when all the teams gather in Vladivostok for the season’s closure. Let’s let them see that our city thrives in both sports and art.”
Unique Art Installation Celebrates Speedway Legacy at Avangard Stadium
A new art object is set to grace the Avangard Stadium – an imaginative sculpture of a racer skillfully maneuvering a motorcycle on a cinder track. This exciting installation aims to coincide with the closing of the current racing season, a time when both our local team and visiting rivals will converge in Vladivostok.
The Vision Behind the Art
The artwork, crafted from repurposed auto parts, metal pieces, washers, bolts, nuts, and gears, is a heartfelt gift to the city from the artist Mikhail Kinash. This installation is just the beginning, as Mikhail plans to complete a larger composition in honor of the Primorsky speedway in the following year.
Details of the Racer Sculpture
Mikhail’s artistic plans detail a striking figure of a racer poised on one wheel, just as seen in photographs featuring renowned riders such as Grigory Laguta from Turbina, Renat Gafurov from Megadala, and a British racer. According to Mikhail, the sculpture only requires the installation of an engine and the addition of tires, which will be crafted to resemble rubber but made from metal.
Building the Racer: A Labor of Love
- The helmet is the only original piece on the racer so far.
- Mikhail emphasizes that creating the body is straightforward: “You make a frame from a rod, then start laying it out.”
- The tires will measure seven centimeters in height, adorned with checkers to replicate realistic designs.
Mikhail has sourced all components from “Jawa” motorcycles, ensuring the sculpture has authentic parts. He mentions that while the engine is Italian, “Jawas” share similarities. Most parts, however, are reclaimed and restored from discarded models.
Design Considerations and Structural Integrity
Balance and proportion are crucial for Mikhail’s sculpture. He plans for the front wheel to rise about a meter off the ground, creating a dynamic visual display. The design will invite spectators to explore the piece, with structural integrity being a primary concern.
Specifying Dimensions and Balance
| Component | Dimension |
|---|---|
| Front Wheel Height | 1 meter |
| Tire Height | 7 cm |
| Overall Racer Size | Human Proportionate |
Notably, Mikhail emphasizes that while motorcycles have a simple structure, devising a compelling artistic representation of motion is challenging. “You need to convey torque and movement, making it appear alive, just like in a photograph,” he explains.
Funding the Creative Endeavor
With a total project cost of approximately 800,000 rubles, Mikhail humorously notes that two sponsors contributed only 100,000 rubles, covering a fraction of the costs. “I’m practically funding this from my own pocket,” he states, showcasing his commitment to Vladivostok’s cultural scene.
Background of Mikhail Kinash
This is not Mikhail’s first foray into public art. Earlier in 2023, he participated in the Metacenters project, which revitalizes public spaces in Vladivostok. His versatility as an artist shines through as he often juggles multiple projects simultaneously, including his ongoing “Aztecs” series, which features engaging “Indian” drawings designed to captivate viewers.
The Racer’s Legacy
The racer is merely the first installment of a grand narrative that will unfold over the coming seasons. Next year, Mikhail plans to commemorate the historical achievements of the Vostok speedway team, founded in 1962, with a series of figures representing their championship years.
Future Plans and Community Impact
- Each of the four featured athletes will represent different eras of the team’s success.
- In collaboration with the team, Mikhail will craft figures from paper, showcasing historical milestones.
Importance of Community in Art
As a passionate fan and supporter of speedway since 1980, Mikhail is keenly aware of the role community play in sports and art. He firmly believes that the intersection of these worlds enriches the city’s culture. “We will reveal our ‘racer’ to the public when all teams arrive in Vladivostok for the season closure,” he concludes.
Final Thoughts from Mikhail Kinash
With a drive to merge art and sports, Mikhail’s artistic journey is one driven by passion and community engagement. “Art can transform the streets and public spaces of Vladivostok,” he asserts, continuing to push the boundaries of creativity in his adopted city.
