Snake Mountain, Biltwell helmet with airbrush over metal fl ake base
pattern painted on the top of the tank. Adding
the contrasting wood element to a piece that
is so sleek and smooth and glossy builds on
the idea that deep in the forest, things are not
what they seem. While the trees and ferns
and greenery seem inviting, danger is hidden,
waiting and watching.
Minino’s 2016 piece, Dragon Tank, is
grand, intimidating, and just as powerful as
the mythical creature he depicts. Golds and
jewel-tone blues are eloquently juxtaposed
via pinstriping that slithers its way around
Horse Helmet, airbrush on off white base color
the tank. The left side of the tank reveals
that the dragon has its tail wrapped around
a sword, while the right side of the tank ex-
poses the dragon’s threatening head, mouth
open, teeth bared. The dragon stares out at
the viewer with a look both inviting and men-
acing, almost taunting the viewer to reach for
the sword, ready to devour anyone who does.
In the painting alone, Dragon Tank is clearly
humming with life, but there is more. Posi-
tioned on the very top of the tank, Minino
has sculpted the gas cap into a single, scaly
eye that stares up at the rider, unwavering in
its glare. The gas tank awakens and the roles
begin to shift. The rider remains a knight, but
now the purpose is not to slay the dragon,
but to ride it.
In his most recent piece, a 2017 Subrosa
BMX bicycle, Minino takes modern herald-
ry from sheer pageantry to the tournament
fi elds. Painting a bicycle used for competitive
sports ups the ante for the rider of the bicycle.
Not only does the rider wear his or her col-
ors for identifi cation, but also for recognition.
from left to right, Galaxy, spray paint, Flamingo, spray paint, Roach Tank, airbrush, Dragon Tank, airbrush
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