Coming Soon to the Tate Modern?

They’re just so useful…..not only do they serve as our vehicles’ only point of contact with the road; they safely pad our children’s playgrounds, provide a comfortable track for equestrian facilities and provide a key component for the construction of affordable earthquake resistant dwellings. And, according to Australia’s Brendan Lee, tyres are also art.

In mid August a total of 95 car tyres made their way to the Bendigo Art Gallery in the state of Victoria as part of a new exhibition from the Melbourne based artist. Mr. Lee says he hopes the tyres will transform the way we view objects.

“I was trying to create something quite beautiful…out of something which is particularly ugly, dirty, and to be recycled,” said Lee to Australian media. “So I’ve got bike tyres for the leaves of the ferns and car tyres for the base of the ferns, with a green light in the centre. They’re actually outdoor party lights so it adds the domestic quality of the install.”

When asked why he chose tyres as a motif for his latest creation, Lee replied that “I’m not particularly interested in artwork that looks like it comes from Ikea.”