Paris/Munich: Revealing the 20th BMW Art Car for the first time, the Centre Pompidou in Paris showcases a masterpiece created by celebrated contemporary artist Julie Mehretu. Mehretu’s transformation of the BMW M Hybrid V8 race car into a captivating work of art maintains the rich tradition of BMW Art Cars and competitive racing. Shortly after its debut in Paris, this latest addition to the esteemed BMW Art Car collection will participate in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Julie Mehretu shares her perspective, stating, “The BMW Art Car project embodies innovation, creativity, and the pursuit of new possibilities. This car is not meant for exhibition but for racing at Le Mans. It represents a performative painting, a collaboration with motorsport and engineering teams.” She emphasizes, “The BMW Art Car is only truly complete after the race.”
The partnership between BMW and Julie Mehretu extends beyond the Art Car to include a commitment to PanAfrican Translocal Media Workshops for filmmakers, scheduled to tour various African cities in 2025 and 2026, with a grand exhibition finale at the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa in Cape Town.
Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, comments, “The BMW Art Cars are a vital part of our global cultural engagement. For nearly half a century, we have collaborated with artists who share a passion for mobility, design, technology, and motorsports. Julie Mehretu’s vision for a racing car is an exceptional addition to our BMW Art Cars series.” He adds, “Julie Mehretu’s creation not only serves as an extraordinary Art Car but also inspires us to expand our cultural initiatives to support young artists in Africa.”
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A Dynamic Artistic Creation:
Julie Mehretu has always explored space, movement, and energy in her art. For the design of the 20th BMW Art Car, she ventures into three-dimensional representation for the first time, infusing the artwork with a sense of dynamism. Drawing inspiration from her monumental painting “Everywhen” (2021 – 2023), currently exhibited at the Pinault Collection – Palazzo Grassi in Venice before joining the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, Mehretu manipulates digital images, dot grids, neon colors, and black markings to craft an abstract visual form. She envisions the BMW M Hybrid V8 car merging with her painting, creating a unique artistic fusion.
History at Le Mans:
Utilizing 3D mapping techniques, the fusion of art and vehicle is achieved as the design is seamlessly transferred onto the contours of the BMW M Hybrid V8. The intricately foiled car is set to compete at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, driven by BMW Motorsport’s Sheldon van der Linde (RSA), Robin Frijns (NED), and René Rast (GER). Mehretu expresses her excitement for the race, having witnessed the BMW M Hybrid V8 in action at Daytona, noting the collaborative efforts of designers, engineers, and creatives in pushing the vehicle to its limits.
Leading up to the race, Mehretu’s BMW Art Car will be displayed at the Concorso d’Eleganza at Villa d’Este in Lake Como en route to Le Mans. Joining iconic BMW Art Cars by artists like Alexander Calder, Frank Stella, and Jeff Koons, the 20th BMW Art Car will be showcased alongside its predecessors.
Inspiring Emerging Artists:
Beyond the BMW Art Car project, Julie Mehretu and Mehret Mandefro are spearheading the PanAfrican Translocal Media Workshops, focusing on nurturing creative talents across Africa. The workshops aim to provide a collaborative space for filmmakers and artists from various African cities, fostering connections and innovative ideas to shape a brighter future.
The BMW Group’s dedication to supporting creative talent extends beyond the Art Car program, with a long history of engaging with filmmakers and young artists globally.
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The Artist:
Julie Mehretu, a renowned American painter born in Ethiopia, brings a unique perspective to her work, exploring themes of history, social behavior, and spatial dynamics. With a distinguished career and accolades, Mehretu’s influence in the art world transcends boundaries.
Recognition and Acclaim:
Julie Mehretu’s selection to design the 20th BMW Art Car was met with unanimous approval from a prestigious international jury in 2018. Embracing the theme of “Dynamism in Form,” Mehretu’s creation blends aesthetics, speed, and creativity, paying homage to previous BMW Art Cars while carving out a distinctive space within the series.
The BMW M Hybrid V8:
The canvas for the 20th BMW Art Car is the BMW M Hybrid V8, a cutting-edge race car equipped with a hybrid electric drivetrain system delivering approximately 640 hp. This high-performance vehicle, capable of reaching speeds up to 345 km/h, will be competing in the FIA World Endurance Championship races alongside the historic 24 Hours of Le Mans.
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Legacy of BMW Art Cars:
Since its inception in 1975, the BMW Art Car program has attracted renowned artists worldwide, resulting in a collection that marries art and performance. From Alexander Calder’s iconic BMW 3.0 CSL to recent additions by Cao Fei and John Baldessari, the BMW Art Car Collection continues to captivate audiences globally.