Spencer Murphy Urban Dirt Bikers

Francesca Maffeo Gallery welcomes back Spencer Murphy to celebrate the galleries 1 year anniversary, hosting an exhibition in our print room accompanied by an artists’ talk and book signing. In his newest body of work Murphy explores the subculture of dirt bikers in London, capturing an unchartered underground ‘Bike Life’ scene that is growing in popularity.

Whatever their ride – dirt bikes, quads, mopeds – tearing up tarmac and pulling stunts on industrial estates and city streets is self-expression. In the face of the law and a hostile public, they are united by a passion and a way of life that few outsiders appreciate.

Often hidden in industrial estates or disused airstrips where they won’t draw too much unwanted attention from the public or the police, riders will gather on the weekends for secret ride-outs, demonstrating immense skill as they pull all manner of stunts. Murphy’s accomplished portraits capture the style and attitude of a movement that is life or death for its followers, and his images are accompanied by a selection of quotes, giving us an insight into the minds of these thrill-seeking riders.