An illustration of a sloth riding a bicycle with text saying "what an intense rush!"

All images © Ravi Zupa, shared with permission

A raccoon on a motorcycle laments over being a poser, a sloth finds itself exhilerated after a bike ride, and a raging cat screams that, despite its snarling teeth, it’s not angry. The self-conscious, awkward, and excitable creatures are the latest additions to Ravi Zupa’s growing cast of characters, which follow earlier illustrations featuring a pack of self-deprecating dogs and a herd of disorderly, drunken cats.

Zupa tells Colossal that he’s spent the last few months riding his bike near his home in Commerce City, Colorado, each morning—rain, snow, or sunshine—and this dedication has translated to his work. Many of his recent prints and greeting cards feature animals mid-cycle as they contemplate their television habits and whether their helmet really does make them look corny.

Currently, Zupa is preparing for a solo show opening in June at Subliminal Projects in Los Angeles. His work will also be included in a group exhibition opening in July at Harman Projects in New York City. Shop prints and greeting cards featuring the illustrations shown here on his site.

 

An illustration of two cats riding motorcylces with text saying "friendship, they had decided to go for more adventures!"

An illustration of an angry cat with text saying

An illustration of an angry cat with text saying "VOTE!"

Four illustrations of cats riding bicycles and motorcycles on grainy yellow backdrops surrounded by text

An illustration of a tiger doing a backend with text saying "those who are flexible and yielding are disciples of life"

An illustration of an angry cat with text saying "do not go gentle into that good night rage against the dying of the light"

Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $5 per month. The article Debatable Motivations Inspire the Adventures of Biking Sloths and Raging Cats in Ravi Zupa’s Illustrations appeared first on Colossal.

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