Dan Tanenbaum has perfected the art of using vintage watch parts to create one-of-a-kind encrusted sculptures. Though his pieces initially took the shape of miniature motorcycles, as his moniker ‘WatchPartsMotorcycles’ suggests, Tanenbaum’s use of the medium has evolved over the years to gild a multitude of recognizable objects as well as some of Pop Culture’s favourite subjects. From animal skulls, Air Jordan sneakers, to his KAWGS series, each watch-part rendition presents a thrilling juxtaposition of old-world meticulousness and engineering with a contemporary and lighthearted twist.
Coming from a family of collectors, Tanenbaum developed a natural affinity for aesthetics early on and began his watch collection with vintage Rolex sport models, now including a Rolex Submariner Reference 6538 (hispersonal favourite) and a Urwerk 103.09. His fascination grew as he obsessed over the stylistic quirks of bezels, crowns and hands, marvelling over the complex gear work and watch movements tracking time with precision and accuracy. “No matter how old or damaged a watch might seem, when you open the back up to reveal the movement, it’s like a time capsule as they have been sealed inside the case to protect it from the elements”says Tanenbaum. “I love the idea of breathing new life into these objects that were so obviously cherished while they kept perfect time for their owners. They deserve to be prominently displayed in their retirement.”
WatchPartsMotorcycles artworks are often inspired by thestructural base selected to create them. Using found objects such as figurines, toys and apparel, the shape of each sculpture is established then defined by Tanenbaum’s distinctive styling of an intricate mosaic-like application of watch parts. Considering the changing contours of each surface and the diminutive scale of his materials, Tanenbaum’s creative mastery is truly remarkable.
Dan Tanenbaum’s WatchPartsMotorcycles artworks have been featured in publications such as The New York Times and Sharp; They can also be found in the private art collections of prominent collectors such as – DJ Steve Aoki, rapper Chief Keef, along with NFL athletes, Bud Dupree, Josh Jacobs and Xavier McKinney and many others.
Dan Tanenbaum lives and works in Toronto. You can find him and his catalogue of creations on Instagram@watchpartsmotorcycles
The Time Machines exhibit, features a number of pieces from Tanenbaum’s personal collection along with never-before-seen works. The show ran from March 3rd to 31st at Mania Contemporary Art Gallery.