BMW brings Art Car Exhibition to life

Since 1975 BMW has had a strong connection with renowned artists from around the world. The famous Art Car series has, to date, seen 17 cars transformed from generic racers into unique, moving canvases.

For the first time, an extensive virtual tour documenting the history of the cars and their creators has been produced. Each car has an extensive back catalogue of images and a short film, which serve to show the variety of the ‘works of art on wheels'. Using old racing footage, artist interviews and statements, as well as opinion from the world of art and culture, the films bring the mobile artwork to life.

The idea of having a car designed by an artist came from French auctioneer and passionate racing car driver Hervé Poulain. Taking up the challenge, Alexander Calder designed his BMW 3.0. CSL in the early 1970s for the 24-hour race at Le Mans. Its enthusiastic reception led BMW to create the Art Car Collection.

With artists such Alexander Calder, Frank Stella, Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol, A.R. Penck, David Hockney, Jenny Holzer and Olafur Eliasson creating cars for BMW, the series now has a rich pedigree.

"After four decades and a total of 17 BMW Art Cars, they can now all be admired by everyone. The interactive website pays homage to the collection, unique in the history of the automobile and the arts," said Bill McAndrews, Head of BMW Group Corporate Strategy and Communications.

"Whilst the originals are often exhibited individually at the BMW Museum in Munich, or at significant cultural institutions throughout the world, people are now able to discover BMW Art Cars in their entirety (through) a comprehensive online tour now available anywhere and anytime," he added.

For the full tour of the Collection, follow the link below:
BMW Art Car Homepage

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By John O'Brien