THE BMW ART CAR BY JEFF KOONS
The Art of Collaboration: Jeff Koons' project with the BMW Art Car marks a unique collaboration between contemporary art and the automotive industry. This initiative transcends the traditional boundaries of art by integrating the artist's creative vision into the iconic design of a sports car.
Inspiration from Classical Art:Jeff Koons draws inspiration from classical art and popular culture, fusing elements of Renaissance and contemporary expression. His artistic approach evokes the grandeur of past masterpieces while embodying a bold, modern aesthetic.
The Creation Process: Koons' creative process for the BMW Art Car involves a combination of cutting-edge technology and traditional artistic techniques. Through computer-aided design methods and handwork sessions, the artist brings his vision to life on the car body.
The Exploration of Shape and Color: Koons' works for the BMW Art Car are notable for their bold exploration of form and color. Through dynamic patterns and bright colors, each car becomes a living expression of energy and vitality.
The Impact on the Automotive Industry: The collaboration between Jeff Koons and BMW is having a significant impact on the automotive industry by highlighting the importance of art and design in vehicle manufacturing. These unique works push the boundaries of traditional automotive design and inspire new creative perspectives.
Public and Critical Reception: Jeff Koons' BMW Art Cars attract public and critical admiration, drawing attention to the convergence of art and technology. Their presence on the global art and automotive scene is testament to the lasting impact of this innovative collaboration.
"BMW Art Car by Jeff Koons
World Premiere on June 2, 2010"
Jeff Koons designed a BMW car and presented it for the first time at the Center Pompidou.
Jeff Koons' BMW Art Car was unveiled to the public for the first time on June 2 at the Center Pompidou in Paris, in the presence of Jeff Koons and Alain Seban, president of the Center Pompidou.
The public was able to admire the car for free for a day before its departure for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. "The racing cars embodied life, they were powerful and full of energy. We could share this energy, multiply it and surpass ourselves with it. Under this hood, there was immense power and I wanted my ideas to transform with this car – it was really about sharing that strength,” said Jeff Koons, fascinated by what he called “the aesthetic of victory.”
In 2010, the 35th edition of the Art Car series was celebrated, featuring the works of illustrious artists such as Alexander Calder, Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Frank Stella, Robert Rauschenberg and Jenny Holzer. BMW was delighted with its collaboration with Jeff Koons.
Since 1975, artists from around the world had transformed BMW cars into works of art as part of the Art Car program, each bearing traces of a particular era. The last creation was by artist Olafur Eliasson in 2007. In designing this work, Jeff Koons was inspired by the history of racing car sketches, lightning bolts and speed. The artist was known for his passion for cars. Earlier that year, musical icon Bono of the band U2 had already cited him as the ideal artist to create a car that could reignite the flame of love for cars around the world. The sketches drawn up by Jeff Koons evoked power, movement and light, and were transposed in the artist's typical saturated shades on a black background that stood out against the silver interior of the car, a color also chosen by the the artist himself. All this gave the BMW M3 GT2 a dynamic appearance, even when stationary. Over the past few months, Jeff Koons has worked closely with the BMW team in Munich, combining his talent with sophisticated BMW engineering to have the 17th BMW Art Car ready for the 24 Hours of Le Mans.