Too Many White Bicycles

PrizeShortlist in Shoot (photo/video)
ArtistFrancesco Lepre
CategoryNon-Professional
CreditFrancesco Lepre

Ghost Bikes are a common site where I live. When a cyclist is killed, a bike is painted white and erected at the scene of the accident as a memorial to the fallen rider. I didn't pay much attention to these phantoms frozen in time. That all changed while riding home on a October evening. A driver ran a stop sign and I was struck by her SUV. I literally saw my life flash before my eyes. From then on, I could ignore them no longer. This work is a difficult emotional exploration of loss and tribute. As a rider, I wanted to find a deeper understanding and perhaps inspire change?

Bio
I'm a freelance art director with a passion for photography. It began with the treasured family pictures my parents brought from Italy. These snapshots of family and places from the past triggered strong emotions which no doubt had a great influence on me as a photographer. I like to work in both analogue or digital but my preference is analogue. The tactical nature of analogue for me, takes me back to the thrill of seeing my first photo develop in the high school darkroom.