Latest news with #BMWM1ArtCar
Khaleej Times
07-04-2025
- Automotive
- Khaleej Times
Art Dubai 2025: Andy Warhol's BMW M1 Art Car speeds into Dubai
The fusion of pop art and performance engineering is racing into the UAE as BMW Group Middle East announces an exclusive showcase of Andy Warhol's iconic BMW M1 Art Car at this year's edition of Art Dubai, running from April 16 to 20. Coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the legendary BMW Art Car Collection, the appearance of Warhol's one-of-a-kind M1 will mark its debut in Dubai, making it one of the standout cultural events of the year and a must-see for both art aficionados and automotive enthusiasts. In just 28 minutes, with 6 kilograms of paint and bold, expressive brushstrokes, Warhol transformed a BMW M1 prototype into a rolling canvas of speed, motion, and modern art. Rather than relying on motifs from pop culture—as he often did in his portraits of Marilyn Monroe or Campbell's soup cans—Warhol opted for direct expression, allowing his gestures and paint to capture the raw dynamism of the car itself. The car, designed by legendary automotive stylist Giorgio Giugiaro, went on to race in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1979, finishing 6th overall and 2nd in its class, driven by Manfred Winkelhock, Hervé Poulain, and Marcel Mignot. Poulain, also the visionary behind the BMW Art Car initiative, likened Warhol's painting process to 'a live dance performance.' 'Andy Warhol's BMW M1 Art Car is a true masterpiece that bridges the worlds of art and automotive excellence,' said Karim-Christian Haririan, Managing Director of BMW Group Middle East. 'Bringing this car to Art Dubai underscores our commitment to creativity and cultural dialogue, both regionally and globally.' The showcase is part of the BMW Art Car World Tour, a celebration of 50 years of the brand's unique collaboration with world-renowned artists. From Alexander Calder and Roy Lichtenstein to Esther Mahlangu and Jeff Koons, the Art Car Collection reflects the evolution of contemporary art and BMW's continued investment in cultural engagement.
ArabGT
03-04-2025
- Automotive
- ArabGT
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.
The National
03-04-2025
- Automotive
- The National
Andy Warhol's painted BMW M1 to make first regional appearance at Art Dubai
In May 1979, Andy Warhol travelled to Germany on a special assignment. The US artist was invited by BMW to take part in their Art Car series. Warhol would paint the fourth car in the collection, a prototype BMW M1. Six kilograms of paint and 28 minutes later, the prototype was transformed into a priceless artwork, with Warhol's signature vibrancy. That car is now heading to Dubai. The BMW M1 Art Car will be a highlight at Art Dubai, which will take place at Madinat Jumeirah from April 16 to 20. The display is organised by BMW Group Middle East. It will coincide BMW Art Car Collection's 50th anniversary. The initiative began in 1975, with US sculptor Alexander Calder's design of the BMW 3.0 CSL. The collection is continuing and now features 20 cars. Some of the most famous artists of the past half a century have taken part in the project, including Roy Lichtenstein, David Hockney and Jenny Holzer. Most recently, Julie Mehretu put her mark on a BMW M Hybrid V8 in 2024. Warhol's 1979 M1, however, has endured as one of the collection's most striking works. 'I have tried to give a vivid depiction of speed,' Warhol said in 1979. 'If a car is really fast, all the contours and colours will become blurred.' The car's arrival in Dubai is its first visit to the region, part of a world tour of BMW Art Cars. 'The BMW Art Car collection embodies our commitment to creativity, innovation, and cultural expression,' Karim-Christian Haririan, managing director of BMW Group Middle East, said. 'Andy Warhol's BMW M1 Art Car is a true masterpiece that bridges the worlds of art and automotive excellence, and we are thrilled to bring this iconic work to Art Dubai 2025. This moment not only celebrates 50 years of BMW Art Cars but also highlights our ongoing support for the arts and our role in shaping creative conversations worldwide.' BMW Group Middle East will also be hosting a talk at Art Dubai. The session will examine the car industry's intersection with art and design. Speakers will include Hans Ulrich Obrist, artistic director of London's Serpentine Galleries; Stephanie Rosenthal, director of the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi; Azu Nwagbogu, founder and director of the African Artists' Foundation; and Thomas Girst, head of cultural engagement at the BMW Group.
