Abstraction at the intersection of technology and art, Dobler Hubert’s work uses chaos and masculine tools, such as motorcycles and chainsaws, recording the marks these machines use when allowed to exist outside their traditional use. By taking apart and rearranging objects out of context, Dobler examines the emotional and visceral ties that the viewer may experience when machines operate with unrestrained abandon. Roaring, bucking and crashing, Dobler’s machines highlight the power and energy trapped inside everyday technology. He exposes the raw power and free spirit inherent in engines and motors.

“Roundabout” is an exploration of kinetic objects. Dobler pairs video projection with burned rubber paintings to create a depiction of raw and driverless machine life. In the video, two motorcycles tied together circle each other endlessly. Madly spinning, the throttles are wide open and the bikes release all of their stored energy. In front of the video, panels bearing the traces of the machines’ movement prevent the viewer from entering the gallery. The viewer’s only way to explore the wild mechanic life contained on screen is through binoculars and headphones. The doors have been removed from the gallery space, giving viewers 24/7 access to a mechanic show. Like a caged animal, the bikes are on display, performing their trick on repeat.

Hubert Dobler was born in Austria and earned his MFA in 1995 from the Academy of Fine Arts, Vienna, as well as a degree in civil engineering. Dobler has exhibited widely throughout the US, Italy, Netherlands, and Austria. He has recently exhibited at Sculpture Center in Queens, Front Room Gallery in Brooklyn, Palais Liechtenstein in Austria, and Fundacion Bilbao Arte in Spain.