In a fusion of art and automotive design, BMW has unveiled a stunning art car by Julie Mehretu, set to grace the iconic Le Mans 24 Hours endurance race.
For nearly five decades, BMW has been blending the worlds of art and motorsport by inviting renowned artists to transform their racing cars into mobile masterpieces. This year, the Munich-based automotive giant continues this unique tradition with a stunning collaboration featuring internationally acclaimed New York artist Julie Mehretu.
Mehretu’s canvas for this ambitious project is the #20 BMW M Hybrid V8, which will compete in the prestigious Le Mans 24 Hours race on June 15-16. The car, now dubbed a “performance painting,” is an intricate extension of Mehretu’s monumental artwork ‘Everywhen’. Through this project, she has masterfully translated her two-dimensional pictorial motifs into a dynamic, three-dimensional representation that captures the essence of motion and energy.
The transformation of the BMW M Hybrid V8 is nothing short of spectacular. Mehretu has employed a sophisticated approach, superimposing digitally altered photographs with dot patterns, neon veils, and distinctive black markings. The resulting abstract visual form is a testament to her innovative artistry and craftsmanship involved in the project.
But this elaborately designed Art Car is more than just a visual spectacle, it stands as a powerful symbol of the fusion of technology, design, and motorsport—a harmonious blend that BMW has championed for decades. The collaboration with Mehretu not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the race car but also signifies the brand’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of creativity and engineering.
As the #20 BMW M Hybrid V8 takes to the track at Le Mans, it will do so as a rolling piece of art, embodying the seamless integration of artistic vision and automotive excellence. This year’s Art Car is a vivid reminder of the enduring and evolving relationship between BMW and the world of contemporary art, promising to captivate audiences both on and off the racetrack.
