BMW Brings the Legendary M1 Art Car to Dubai
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the BMW Art Cars initiative, BMW Group Middle East is marking a significant presence at this year's Art Dubai exhibition, scheduled from April 16 to 20. The group will proudly display one of the most iconic creations in the series: the BMW M1 Art Car, painted by legendary pop artist Andy Warhol. This remarkable vehicle, transformed into a moving canvas through Warhol's expressive brushstrokes, represents the perfect harmony of performance, energy, and artistic boldness.
The M1, which Warhol described as having a charm that surpasses the artwork itself, remains one of the most celebrated models in the Art Car lineup. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the car holds historical significance. It competed in its sole race at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1979, driven by Germany's Manfred Winkelhock and France's Hervé Poulain and Marcel Mignot. It finished an impressive sixth overall and secured second place in its category — a notable feat in motorsport history.
Now, decades later, this fusion of automotive engineering and artistic vision is making its way to Dubai, offering art and car enthusiasts alike a chance to witness a unique cultural icon up close.
Karim Christian Haririan, Managing Director of BMW Group Middle East, expressed his pride in bringing this exceptional piece to the region. He described the M1 Art Car as a 'masterpiece' that captures the essence of both fine art and automotive craftsmanship, reaffirming BMW's dedication to innovation, culture, and artistic dialogue. He noted that the brand's participation in Art Dubai is not only a tribute to five decades of Art Cars but also a continued commitment to fostering creative exchange in the Middle East and beyond.
Dr. Thomas Gerst, Head of Cultural Engagement at BMW Group, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the brand's long-standing dedication to the arts. For over fifty years, BMW has supported cultural projects globally, and the Middle East's involvement in the Art Cars World Tour reflects the region's growing influence on the international art stage.
As part of the anniversary celebration, Art Dubai 2025 will host a special panel discussion on April 17 titled 'Art Moves Us: Is the Future in Commissions and Creative Collaborations?' The session will trace the evolution of the BMW Art Car project and its intersection with design, technology, and cultural expression. Attendees will explore how this initiative has acted as a creative catalyst, empowering artists to explore new narratives through mobility and innovation.
The panel will feature prominent voices from the global art scene, including Hans Ulrich Obrist, artistic director and celebrated curator; Stefanie Rosenthal, director of the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi; and Azu Nwagbogu, Nigerian curator, activist, and founder of the African Artists Foundation. Joining them will be Dr. Thomas Gerst, representing BMW's cultural engagement efforts. Together, they will discuss the BMW Art Cars' legacy as a platform for cross-disciplinary collaboration and its role in shaping future dialogue between art and technology.
Andy Warhol, whose influence on contemporary culture endures decades after his passing, stands as one of modern art's most transformative figures. Born in 1928 and active until his death in 1987, Warhol revolutionized the art world with his bold reinterpretation of commercial imagery and celebrity culture. His New York studio, The Factory, founded in 1962, became a creative hub for artists, musicians, and actors — blurring the lines between high art and pop culture. His iconic portraits and screen-print prints of consumer goods forever altered the perception of art and continue to inspire generations across multiple creative industries.
As Art Dubai 2025 unfolds, the presence of the BMW M1 Art Car serves as a striking reminder of how art and engineering can converge to create timeless cultural statements — an ongoing dialogue that BMW remains committed to nurturing, 50 years on.
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