Human Powered Rickshaws - Wooden Sculptures

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This series of wooden sculptures pays tribute to the humble rickshaw—an enduring symbol of human strength, resilience, and everyday journeys across the bustling streets of Asia. Each piece is crafted from over a hundred laser-cut components, fitted together with precision and then stained and polished to reveal the natural fibers running through the MDF. The wood’s grain becomes part of the storytelling, giving every sculpture a warm, organic character.

The forms are shaped in my signature Barsplit style, a method that creates a light, see-through framework. This open structure allows the sculptures to feel airy and dynamic, as if the rickshaws are caught in motion—half memory, half silhouette.

Human-powered rickshaws first appeared in Asia in the 19th century, woven deeply into the daily life of many cities. Over time they evolved, adapting to local needs and landscapes. In the Philippines, the Padyak places the bicycle beside the passenger seat, creating a unique side-by-side rhythm. In Indonesia and Malaysia, the Beca or Trishaw positions the cycle behind the carriage, gently pushing it forward. In Germany, the modern Velotaxi embraces electric assistance, fusing tradition with contemporary mobility.

These sculptures echo that evolution—capturing the essence of rickshaws not just as vehicles, but as cultural icons shaped by place, people, and time. Through the interplay of layered wood, open structure, and handcrafted detail, the series celebrates the quiet poetry of everyday travel, the ingenuity of human-powered design, and the stories carried through the streets by these timeless machines.

(Click on the images below to enlarge)