Harley-Davidson Museum Features Kurpius’ Living Lost Photographs

A break on the Lake. The Country Mile 2009. Lake Michigan, September 2009
A break on the Lake. The Country Mile 2009. Lake Michigan, September 2009
A break on the Lake. The Country Mile 2009. Lake Michigan, September 2009 (Josh Kurpius)

Harley-Davidson Museum Exhibit Views Life on the Open Road

The first Harley-Davidson Museum exhibit of 2014 will feature photographs that depict life on the open road.

The “Living Lost Photographs” are by rider, bike builder and photographer Josh Kurpius. More than 30 works will be on display beginning Jan. 17.

The Living Lost collection represents Kurpius’ cross-country trip aboard a chopped 1977 Harley-Davidson Ironhead Sportster. Harley says the images “give an honest, open look at the uninhibited lifestyle of a group of nomadic bikers out to explore the American panorama.”

Bill Davidson (Vice President of the Harley-Davidson Museum) says: “Josh’s photos embody the freedom and independence that is the very essence of Harley-Davidson. His photographs give visitors a look into a world of exploration and camaraderie that only the open road can provide.”

From the stunning juxtaposition of a roaring Harley-Davidson next to a quiet countryside, to the uncensored look into the lives of a close group of friends, Kurpius captures the timeless enticement of a life lived on the road with his motorcycle.

Sunset Ride on the Locus. Genoa, Ill. March 2010
Sunset Ride on the Locus. Genoa, Ill. March 2010 (Josh Kurpius)

The photos not only depict the raw beauty of America, but the beauty of the off-moments that reveal themselves in serendipitous ways. The vintage machines Kurpius and his friends ride can only go so far without refueling or needing maintenance, and they often find themselves stopping in places barely noticeable if restricted to the confines of a car.

The bike Kurpius rode on these adventures, a chopped 1977 Harley-Davidson Ironhead Sportster nicknamed “The Locust,” is being displayed in the Museum lobby during a portion of the exhibit.

The exhibit opening coincides with Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward Gallery Night. Visitors receive free admission on Jan. 17 from 5-9 p.m. Living Lost runs through May 18 on the bridge between the Museum and Archives buildings.

Additional Living Lost Event

Living Lost Photography Exhibit Party with Josh Kurpius and Special Musical Guest Mount Salem in the Harley-Davidson Museum Garage

Saturday, Feb. 1; doors open at 8 p.m.; concert at 9:30 p.m.

Meet Josh Kurpius, view his exhibit at the Museum, and revel in the stripped-down psychedelic music of Mount Salem. Cash bar. Tickets are $10, include admission to both the Museum exhibit and the Mount Salem concert and are available on Feb. 1 at h-dmuseum.com and in the Museum lobby.

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