BMW collaborates with Julie Mehretu to create the 20th BMW Art Car. Julie Mehretu at the Rolex 24 at Daytona, 2023. © Julian Kroehl.

BY ARTCENTRON

Unleashing Creative: BMW Collaborates With Julie Mehretu

Discover the artistic synergy between BMW and renowned artist Julie Mehretu as they collaborate on the 20th BMW Art Car, pushing boundaries and merging art, design, and motorsport.

BMW, a renowned automobile manufacturer, has announced an exciting collaboration with internationally acclaimed artist Julie Mehretu. This collaboration aims to create the 20th BMW Art Car, an iconic project that merges the worlds of art, design, and motorsport. The announcement has generated significant attention, as Mehretu was unanimously chosen by a prestigious international jury of 13 museum directors and curators, including Hans Ulrich Obrist (Serpentine Galleries), Stephanie Rosenthal (Guggenheim Museum Abu Dhabi), Koyo Kouoh (Zeitz MOCAA), and Okwui Enwezor (1963–2019).

A Fusion of Art and Motorsport

Julie Mehretu, a New York-based artist with an impressive portfolio, brings a fresh perspective to the BMW Art Car project. With a passion for cars and a deep appreciation for their aesthetic and conceptual value, Mehretu expresses her enthusiasm for the opportunity to work on the next BMW Art Car. She sees the project as a chance to explore the possibilities of hybrid and fully electric vehicles, pushing the boundaries of transportation and motorsport.

“I’ve loved cars for most of my life, as toys, as objects, as possibilities. It is from that space that I’m really excited to be working on the next BMW Art Car more than anything,” says Julie Mehretu.

But it is not just Mehretu’s love of cars that drives her passion and excitement for this new BMW project. It is also about the thrill of speed and the future prospects for hybrid and fully electric vehicles. “The thrill of the speed, the 24-hour race of Le Mans, and what is possible to invent in hybrid and fully electric vehicles as future modes of play and pushing ahead into new terrains of transportation and motorsports,” she said.

The BMW Art Car Collection: A Testament to Innovation

The BMW Art Car Collection holds a central place in the company’s global cultural commitment, spanning over 50 years. This collection serves as a testament to the harmonious convergence of technology, art, design, and motorsport—a captivating combination that continues to enthrall enthusiasts worldwide. Over the years, esteemed artists such as Alexander Calder, Frank Stella, Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol, and many others have contributed their artistic vision to this extraordinary collection. BMW will enter Mehretu’s BMW M Hybrid V8 Art Car in the 24-Hour Race of Le Mans in June 2024.

Julie Mehretu: Redefining Boundaries

Julie Mehretu’s unique artistic perspective has captivated audiences around the world. Born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and later moving to the United States, Mehretu’s work reflects her diverse background and experiences. Her exploration of history, space, and contemporary experiences allows her to create dynamic and visually engaging artworks.

With her selection as the artist for the 20th BMW Art Car, Mehretu’s talent and expertise in capturing movement and dynamism within her work shines through. Her ability to convey a clear understanding of how objects interact with space adds an exciting dimension to this prestigious project. It is her exceptional caliber and extensive experience that makes her an ideal choice for this endeavor.

Okwui Enwezor (1963–2019), a jury member for the 20th BMW Art Car in 2018 and former Director of Haus der Kunst, Munich, describes Mehretu’s work as follows: “Julie Mehretu’s work encapsulates different questions of movement. She expresses dynamism within a form. It is a very clear and sound understanding of how the object acts in space. And I think this really makes it a very exciting proposition to have an artist of her caliber who has the long-standing experience to take on this project.”

The Intersection of Art and Culture

BMW’s collaboration with Julie Mehretu goes beyond the creation of the Art Car itself. In addition to the car, Mehretu’s concept involves a Translocal Media Workshop Series that will take place in eight African cities. This series aims to foster creative exploration and cultural exchange, culminating in an exhibition of the workshop outcomes alongside the 20th BMW Art Car at the Zeitz MOCAA in Cape Town in 2025.

The commitment to cultural impact and support for artistic expression aligns with BMW’s broader cultural endeavors. Through this collaboration, BMW continues to bridge the gap between technology, art, and mobility, leaving a lasting impression not only on the Le Mans racetrack but also in the hearts and minds of art enthusiasts around the world.

”The combination of technology and art, of design and motorsport sparks a timeless fascination. I have admired Julie Mehretu’s work for many years. I am particularly pleased that our cooperation will have a lasting cultural impact beyond the vehicle she has designed, especially in Africa,” notes Ilka Horstmeier, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Human Resources, and Real Estate.

Experience Julie Mehretu’s Artistic Legacy

Julie Mehretu’s journey as an artist is as remarkable as her art itself. Born in Addis Ababa in 1970, Mehretu relocated to the United States with her family at a young age. She pursued her education at Kalamazoo College in Michigan, earning her B.A., and later attended The Rhode Island School of Design, where she obtained her Masters of Fine Arts degree in 1997. Additionally, she spent time studying at Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar, Senegal.

What are your expectations as BMW Collaborates With Julie Mehretu to Craft the 20th BMW Art Car?