The men transporting the loads have almost super human powers -- they're capable of moving unbelievable amounts of goods on their backs.

“Totems” is the result of Delorme’s two residencies in Shanghai and his fascination with the migrant worker. The vertical nature of the towers echos the looming facades and skyscrapers in the background as well as the expansion and construction of new urbanity. Workers, who have transported themselves to the city on their bikes, are depicted with the near superhuman ability to carry extraordinary loads of manufactured goods across town.

The towers of goods become almost sculptures themselves, and great care was taken to balance the unbelievable loads and protect the goods along their bicycle route. Is this a look at how we have become worshipers of manufactured goods or a look at how we have become servants and slaves to them? The answer is likely a bit of both. Delorme’s photographic works take root in reality, but they have been carefully composed to produce an exaggerated perspective and drive his point home.

+ Alain Delorme

+ Magda Dansyz Gallery

Via RecycleArt

One Response to “Unbelievable Stacks of Chinese Goods Piled High on Bikes”

Samitaur Tower Showcases Community Art in Culver City | Inhabitat - Green Design Will Save the World says:

September 28, 2010 at 2:34 pm

[...] acrylic material that serves as a projection screen to advertise local community events, art exhibits, and other pertinent cultural information for the area. At the bottom of the tower, a small open [...]