Chrome Cravings

Gulping gasoline and choking out revs, the motor growls while dogs howl in agreement. Dipped in black and white, the familiar rubber grips of his motorcycle handles soothe his palms as spinning wheels kick up scatters of dust. Hot and heavy, the lure of a thunderous machine kissing tarmac in the fast line rumbles through the territory.

Photographer Bianca Gerasia captures LA native Marius Polo Chevalier amongst his collection of cars and motorbikes, catching staggering intensity in each shot as sparks of silver glint in dazzling flashes across the yard. Originally from Compton but growing up between LA, Paris, and Sinaloa, travelling around Europe as a model and pro basketball player, as well as being a first-generation American, Marius has a distinctive perspective on the world around him. On a mission to be the most human in perhaps the most plastic city in the world, Marius takes authenticity seriously to counteract the reputation Los Angeles has been branded with.

Soft lashes fan cheekbones as the soaked smell of chlorine mixes with the scent of petrol in an eye-watering combination. Days clad in leather and denim, a single chain swings around Marius' throat as he gears up for his getaway. There’s only one way out and it’s a long way down. The road stretches below midnight tires and cat’s eyes line the highway to the great escape. It's a prison break with lights of liberty streaking across his face. Fading into the horizon, the intimate tug of air catches Marius' cheeks as he cuts through town to ride past the point of no return. With nothing but time, plans fill the dashboard as the sun rises in hot-blooded colour illuminating chrome cravings.