NewzVille Desk
Celebrating 50 years of the iconic “rolling sculptures”, the BMW Group will present the 20th BMW Art Car, designed by internationally renowned artist Julie Mehretu, at this year’s edition of Art Basel Hong Kong. The showcase is part of the ongoing BMW Art Car World Tour, that unite art, design, and innovation.
The 20th BMW Art Car will be on view at Art Basel Hong Kong alongside a display of miniature BMW Art Cars from across the past 50 years, with designs by artists including Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol, Robert Rauschenberg, Jenny Holzer, and Jeff Koons, on the occasion of this milestone anniversary. As a global partner of Art Basel, BMW continues its longstanding support for the fair’s VIP car service.
The BMW M Hybrid V8 Art Car, designed by Mehretu, has already become audiences favourite worldwide with its bold and dynamic aesthetic. Deconstructing and reconstructing her large-scale painting “Everywhen” (2021–2023), the design incorporates digitally altered photographic layers, vibrant neon colours, and Mehretu’s signature black gestural marks.
Using advanced 3D mapping technology, the car reflects a powerful fusion of art and high-performance engineering. Having competed at the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2024, the Art Car continues to make an impact both on the racetrack and in the art world.
Julie Mehretu describes her vision: “Working on the BMW Art Car has allowed me to explore new dimensions of movement, space, and time. This car is not just an artwork; I call it a performative painting that reaches its full expression on the racetrack.”
Julie Mehretu is renowned American painter. She works in New York City and Berlin. Mehretu’s talent in painting, drawing and printmaking engages the viewer in a dynamic visual articulation of contemporary experience and a depiction of social behaviour.
Since 1975 renowned artist from all over the world have participated in the Art Car Programme.
