Bicycles and now motorcycles have been an important element for generations in the rites of passage of many young Bermudians. It seems that bicycles and motorcycles are symbolic of the declaration of independence from parents and the cutting of attachments from home. It is an instrument of escape.

The cycle allows young people, many for the first time, a real sense of ownership of something of decided value. It also introduces the young owner to the world of adult responsibility. If it is a motorcycle, it needs to be regularly inspected, licensed and insured.

Because of the importance of cycles as status symbols, many seek to individualise their "wheels" by decorating them in their own fashion. Even back in the days when only pedal bikes were allowed on our roads, young Bermudians sought to individualise their bikes. Back then, wicker baskets and brass stays were in fashion. Most bicycles were then black with gold pin-strips, although a some were in British Racing Green. I also remember a few in maroon. If you had any sense of status, you kept your bicycle immaculately clean and polished and that seemed to have been an on-going, weekly ritual.

Nearly all our bicycles were imported from England and the most popular brands were Humber, Raleigh and BSA. The heavier, balloon-tyred American bikes of that era, with their flashy, colourful frames were thought garish and clumsy. They were decidedly out of fashion.

Today, those concerns of yesteryear for individualising our cycles, has been transferred to the motorcycle, only more so. When my son went 16, he purchased a new moped, but almost before he ever used it, he stripped it and had it repainted in some unusual colour. Apparently that was his way of staking his claim as someone to notice, not by just anyone, however, but by other young males and especially females. What parents may have thought was of little concern.

Whereas our pedal bikes were usually imported from England, today our motorcycles come from just about anywhere, but rarely from the UK. The extent to which some go in individualising their bikes, some may consider extremes, but for those who see their cycles as an expression of individuality, no effort is spared to make an impact.

The present exhibition at the Bermuda National Gallery, is certainly unique and may have raised a few eyebrows from the conservative quarter, but it does recognise the skills of more than a few who created these "works of art". The show consists of 19 motorbikes. A few are antique, such as a Velo Solex. Most are more recent recreations. By that, I mean, parts from varying bikes have been amalgamated into an original, one-off creation and then used as a ground for an original work of airbrush art.

A number of artists stand out in this show, not only those who paint them with all their flamboyant designs, but also the "choppers", those who dismantle or even chop-up the bikes to recreate them into something unique. Of the painters, Robbie Rogers is especially noteworthy. More often than not, his name appears on the labels as having painted a number of bikes in the show. He is also one of the artists presently exhibiting in the Obama show at Common Ground.

The names of other painters are also noted, such as Nalia Silvia, Craig Frazer and Steven Flood. Of the "choppers", Paul Martins and Dean Boorman stand out. These are all very skilled artists who apply their art to this special area of expertise. Michael Harvey, using a Dremel tool, plastic hammer and a file also reconstructed his motorbike. That is worth highlighting. It seems you do not always need a lot of complex tools to achieve some impressive remodeling.

The Bermuda National Gallery is to be commended for recognising that art is in all kinds of places, that often goes unrecognised by most art museums or by traditional artist, for that matter.

This is a good show, a popular one, so much so, it is being held over until the summer. The work of these artists is impressive. I recommend seeing it several times.