Probably the most authentic portrait ever composed of the boxer, Muhammad Ali by Michael Kalish is literally made up of punching bags. The large-scale pixelated rendering has 1,300 individual sacks hung from 6.5 miles of stainless steel cable, making for a veridical representation.
The artist responsible for the outdoor installation can take credit for an oeuvre of works depicting famous American icons. This particular one arose from the idea that only recently has come to form after three years.
Altogether, the sculpture is 22 feet high and weighs more than 2,500 pounds. The bulk of the project exists in the sturdy scaffodling framework of aluminum pipes, making Muhammad Ali by Michael Kalish an accurate portrayal of the heavyweight champion fighter.
Punching Bag Portraits
Muhammad Ali by Michael Kalish has Facial Features of Suspended Sacks
Trend Themes
1. Sculpture Reimagined as Public Installation - The use of unusual materials and large-scale pixelation in public art installations offers many disruptive innovation opportunities.
2. Innovative Photo-realism in Art - Creating photo-realistic depictions of famous figures with unique materials creates an opportunity to disrupt traditional forms of portraiture.
3. Combining Art with Athletics - Incorporating athletic equipment into sculptures allows for innovative creations that blend art and sports culture.
Industry Implications
1. Art - The art industry can take advantage of the innovative use of materials, such as punching bags, to create unique and memorable installations.
2. Sports Equipment Manufacturing - Partnering with artists to create unique sculptures out of athletic equipment could lead to new revenue streams and brand awareness opportunities for sports equipment manufacturers.
3. Tourism - The public nature and large-scale size of these installations can attract tourists to a city or location, highlighting the intersection of art and athletics.