“Check Engine Light,” Joshua Vides‘ unbelievable car-centric creation, has zipped off, but it certainly left a lasting impression on the NYC art scene.
Unlike the new exhibits currently on display, this project used 2D black and white sketch-style illustrations to bring a mechanic’s shop to life. There were tires, tools, a motorcycle, and a 26-foot-long limo — a 1995 Lincoln Town Car inspired by Home Alone, to be exact — ready to greet all the visitors who stepped foot inside the monochromatic gem.
Getting a tune-up, and driving in general, might feel like a foreign concept to New Yorkers who don’t typically get behind the wheel, but thousands sped into Morton Street Partners to catch a glimpse of this drawing brought to life, and understandably so.
Take a look inside “Check Engine Light”
After NYC’s first-and-only 2D restaurant Shirokuro made its spring debut, it seems as though everyone has been dying to step into a doodle, which is exactly what “Check Engine Light” feels like.
“When you step into a situation like this, for the first time, it takes you out of whatever you were just thinking about, you know,” the artist reveals to CBS Saturday Morning, and we couldn’t agree more. Have a look at the videos below too see what we’re talking about.
Believe it or not, the graphic designer and visual artist first dabbled with graffiti and street art as a teen, but then took a step back and managed to create an equally appealing world without color. His creative style, coined “RTI”, brings the comic book vibes in the best way possible.
“Reality To Idea is taking everything back to its origin, which is pen and paper,” the artist further revealed to CBS. “The shoes, your shirt, your watch, this room we’re in — everything for the most part started with a drawing.”
Unfortunately, this super-sweet experience was a quick one and wrapped up May 6th, but the next time Vides’ project pulls into town (car or no car), we’ll be sure to let you know.
If you missed out on “Check Engine Light,” be sure to explore all of the other neat happenings at museums and galleries across NYC and stay tuned for updates on Vides’ forthcoming work.