Range Rover

The BMW Art Car Collection 1975-2010 exhibition has opened in the NCP car park on Great Eastern Street in Shoreditch.

The BMW Art Car Collection was launched in 1975 as a unique artistic experiment. 37 years later it is still going strong and the concept has  gradually formed itself into a collection, which to this day remaines unique in its nature in the automobile world. Several of the world's most renowned  artists including: Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol, Alexander Calder, Frank Stella, Robert Rauschenberg,Cesar Manrique, Jeff Koons,Keith Haring, Esher Mahlangu, James Rosenquist ,Jenny Holzer and David Hockney.




Press Release


ART DRIVE! The BMW Art Car Collection 1975-2010. Exhibition of Art Cars by Andy Warhol, Jeff Koons and David Hockney - On Show for First Time in the UK in East End Car Park.

The ICA, in partnership with BMW, the Mayor of London and the London 2012 Festival, will take over a landmark car park in Shoreditch for two weeks only from 21 July to 4 August for a unique exhibition of the BMW ART CAR COLLECTIONon show for the first time in the UK. Admission is free.

The collection, initiated over 35 years ago, features BMW cars transformed by some of the world's leading artists including: Alexander Calder, Frank Stella, Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol, Ernst Fuchs, Robert Rauschenberg, M.J. Nelson, Ken Done, Matazo Kayama, César Manrique, Jeff Koons, A.R. Penck, Esther Mahlangu, Sandro Chia, Jenny Holzer and David Hockney.

ART DRIVE! THE BMW ART CAR COLLECTION will show the work of 16 international artists over six floors in the NCP Car Park on Great Eastern Street in Shoreditch. The project, which brings together BMW's excellence in car design and the ICA's passion for and commitment to art, will be a one-off opportunity for art and design lovers as well as car enthusiasts.

The BMW ART CAR COLLECTION started when French racing driver and auctioneer Hervé Poulain invited his friend Alexander Calder to design a car that married artistic excellence to 'an already perfect object'. The end result was a racing car that would ultimately compete in the Le Mans 24-hour race in 1975. And so the BMW Art Car was born...

Since then some of the greatest names in contemporary art have added to the collection creating a wide range of artistic interpretations. David Hockney's 1995 Art Car paints the inside of the car on the outside, revealing everything from internal engine parts to a dog in the back. Rauschenberg incorporates photographic transfers of Ingres paintings while Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein used the canvas of the car to portray the essence of speed.

Quotes concerning " ART DRIVE! The BMW Art Car Collection 1975-2010"
< Ruth Mackenzie, Director of London 2012 Festival, said: "The London 2012 Festival is thrilled to be working with BMW and the ICA on what will be one of our most exciting pop up events of the summer - London has never seen these astonishing cars, and this free event will be a highlight of our festival".

"The ICA is delighted to be working with LOCOG, BMW and the Mayor of London's office on this prestigious project," adds Gregor Muir, Executive Director of the ICA. "Art Drive! presents an exciting opportunity for the ICA to reach out to new audiences."

"With the BMW Art Cars in London a dream comes true at long last. The 16 'rolling sculptures' will fascinate all those who enjoy art, design, and the automobile", remarks Dr. Thomas Girst, Head of Cultural Engagement, BMW Group.

"BMW gave me a model of the car and I looked at it time and time again. Finally, I thought it would be a good idea to show the car as if one could see inside." David Hockney

"I have tried to give a vivid depiction of speed. If a car is really fast, all contours and colours will become blurred".
Andy Warhol

"These race cars are like life, they are powerful and there is a lot of energy. You can participate with it,add to it and let yourself transcend with its energy." Jeff Koons