Art and racing come together with this masterpiece.
BMW is known for its iconic luxury vehicles and reputation for driving dynamics. It uses its vehicles to contribute to and celebrate the arts with its renowned series of Art Cars. The latest is done by New York-based contemporary artist Julie Mehretu, and it’s based on BMW’s incredible hybrid racing hypercar, the M Hybrid V8 LMDh race car. After debuting in Paris, the new BMW Art Car is set to race in the 24 Hours of Le Mans this year.
As the 20th BMW Art Car, Julie Mehretu’s BMW M Hybrid V8 is inspired by the colors and motifs of her “Everywhen” painting, which was made from 2021-2023. The design combines digitally altered photographs, neon-colored paint, and black accents. The work will eventually find a home at the MoMA in New York, where it’s been gifted. The concept that drove the artwork was that the car went through the painting and assumed its colors and shapes.
On its way to Le Mans, the car is set to be displayed at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, celebrating the legacy of BMW’s Art Cars, as well as the rich, hundred-year history of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Alongside it, other BMW Art Cars will be on display from Alexander Calder (1975), Frank Stella (1976), Roy Lichtenstein (1977), Andy Warhol (1979), Jenny Holzer (1999) and Jeff Koons (2010), all of which made a Le Mans race debut. At the intersection of racing and art comes the latest BMW Art Car, a compelling abstract concept that celebrates speed, motorsport, and artistry.
Image Source: BMW