Julie Mehretu Unveils BMW's 20th Art Car at Centre Pompidou, Set to Compete in Le Mans
BMW unveiled the 20th BMW Art Car on 22nd May, masterfully designed by the esteemed New York-based artist Julie Mehretu, at the Centre Pompidou in Paris. This groundbreaking project transforms the BMW M Hybrid V8 race car into a dynamic art piece, advancing BMW's rich tradition of Art Cars and elite racing. This latest Art Car will compete at the 24 Hours of Le Mans just weeks after its global debut.
Julie Mehretu describes the essence of the BMW Art Car project as a fusion of invention, imagination, and exploring possibilities beyond the conventional. "This isn’t merely a showpiece; it’s engineered to compete at Le Mans. It’s a living, racing artwork," Mehretu explained, highlighting her collaboration with BMW's motorsport and engineering teams. "The BMW Art Car truly comes to life when it crosses the finish line."
In addition to this artistic venture, BMW and Mehretu are embarking on a joint initiative to launch a series of Pan-African Translocal Media Workshops. These workshops are designed to nurture filmmaking talents across various African cities and culminate in a significant exhibition at the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa in Cape Town.
Oliver Zipse, Chairman of BMW AG's management board, remarked on the project's impact: "For nearly 50 years, our collaboration with visionary artists like Julie Mehretu has enriched our BMW Art Car series. Her design contributes a compelling piece to the collection and reinforces BMW’s commitment to supporting global creativity and young artists, particularly in Africa."
Mehretu’s design for the 20th BMW Art Car brings her unique space, movement, and energy style to life. For the first time, she translates a two-dimensional image into a three-dimensional form, utilizing the visual language from her monumental painting "Everywhen." The car’s design features layered digital images, neon colours, and distinctive black marks, creating an abstract, dynamic effect.
This art car, adorned with a complex foiling process and 3D mapping techniques, is not just for display but built to compete at the high-stakes 24 Hours of Le Mans with drivers Sheldon van der Linde, Robin Frijns, and René Rast.
Julie Mehretu also shares her anticipation for the upcoming races, "Watching the BMW M Hybrid V8 in action at Daytona was exhilarating. A collective of designers, engineers, and creative minds have pushed this vehicle to its limits, fulfilling many dreams when it races."
Before the Le Mans race, BMW will showcase the 20th BMW Art Car at the Concorso d'Eleganza at Villa d'Este, where Mehretu will present her work alongside notable Art Cars by artists like Alexander Calder, Frank Stella, and Andy Warhol. This exhibition, part of a historic vehicle event organized by BMW Group and Grand Hotel Villa d'Este, provides a perfect platform for Mehretu to discuss her creative process in an artist talk.
BMW and Julie Mehretu's collaboration extends beyond the automobile. They aim to support emerging artists in Africa through the Pan-African Translocal Media Workshops after the Le Mans race. This initiative underscores BMW's ongoing dedication to fostering artistic and creative education across the continent for over half a century.
Julie Mehretu, a globally celebrated painter born in Addis Ababa and based in New York and Berlin, continues to push the boundaries of art with her innovative approach to contemporary visual expressions. Her work, deeply intertwined with social narratives and historical layers, has earned her widespread acclaim, including prestigious awards like the MacArthur Award and the U.S. Department of State Medal of Arts.
In 2018, Mehretu's design for the BMW Art Car was selected by an international jury of esteemed art world figures. It was met with enthusiasm and praised for its dynamic integration of form and motion, which captured the essence of speed and artistic innovation.
As BMW gears up for another milestone with this year's Art Car, the company continues its legacy of blending high-performance racing with avant-garde artistry, showcased on global stages and in prestigious institutions.
