UK Artist From London Makes ‘Top 10’ In Harley-Davidson Art Of Custom Competition

Fans urged to vote for the UK’s shortlisted entry

Harley-Davidson®, the world’s most iconic motorcycle brand renowned for its rich heritage in customisation and self-expression, has announced that UK artist, Christopher Hollands’s ‘Graffiti Tank’ design has been officially shortlisted into the ‘Top 10’ of the brand’s Art of Custom competition, which has searched for inspirational new art to appear on bespoke Harley-Davidson fuel tanks.

The competition received over 2,000 entries from 16 countries including the UK, Spain, France, Italy and Germany. Each budding artist downloaded a template of the famous fuel tank and got to work bringing their interpretation of the Harley-Davidson spirit to life, just as the Harley-Davidson styling team have done for over one hundred years.

Competition finalist, Christopher Hollands said: “Art has always been a passion in my life, especially street art. Although I have no art qualifications, I am an avid fan of graffiti and tattoos. I come from a family of motorcyclists, so to connect my passion here with my artistic skills has brought me great happiness through the Art of Custom competition.”

The judging panel, made up of Harley-Davidson styling team members, Ray Drea, Frank Savage and the legendary Willie G Davidson, along with street artist ‘Lebo’, whose art graces the walls and galleries of Wynwood, Miami and Northern-Irish character artist Terry Bradley, had a tough job picking their top 10 favourite designs.

Terry Bradley said of the entries: “We’re over whelmed at the high standard of designs entered. It’s great to see so many people having the freedom to create and express themselves, and what better canvas than the iconic Harley-Davidson tank. The public have a hard job choosing the winner.”

The public now hold the power in deciding who will win ‘Art of Custom 2012’ and receive the prize of a lifetime; their bespoke design re-created on their very own mechanical masterpiece; a Harley-Davidson Sportster. The winner will also visit the home of Harley-Davidson in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with two runners up to see their tank art displayed at the famous Harley-Davidson Museum.

To vote for your favourite design, visit the Harley-Davidson Digital Tank Wall at www.harley-davidson.com/tankwall before the 1st June. The wall is an online version of the real-life wall housed in the Harley-Davidson Museum and also showcases some of the most iconic designs from the past century including the classic 1971 Willie G. Davidson designed ‘FX Super Glide’ and the 2008 ‘Cross Bones’ which formed the basis for the motorcycle ridden by Captain America in the 2011 Hollywood film.

The winner will be announced in June 2012.