"Bap" Motorcyclist's Back Protector
Marc Sadler
French, born 1946
1992
A molded jacket-like back protector made from polyethylene, low‑memory foam, polyurethane, and polypropylene, designed to absorb and disperse impact while allowing a motorcyclist to move freely.
Its articulated, bright-blue segmented plates—stacked like a stylized spine against black mesh—read simultaneously as sportswear and armor, emphasizing curvature, articulation, and a compact, ergonomic fit.
It exemplifies how early‑1990s performance polymers and ergonomic thinking transformed personal protective equipment, making motorcycle armor lighter, more flexible, and visually assertive and influencing later sports- and safety-wear design.
Medium
Polyethylene, low-memory foam, polyurethane, and polypropylene
Dimensions
24 x 16 1/2" (61 x 42 cm)
Classification
Department
Credit
Gift of the manufacturer
Accession
248.1998
Palette
Art Terms
Exhibitions
