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Future of Mobility

BMW's Art Car legacy advances into the future of mobility with new i7 miniatures by Heemin Chung and Alvaro Barrington at Frieze Seoul 2024.

Words PLUS MAGAZINE

The BMW Art Car project, initiated in 1975 by French auctioneer and racing driver Hervé Poulain, has brought together a dynamic intersection of art, technology, and mobility, commissioning some of the world’s most renowned contemporary artists to transform BMW vehicles into captivating works of art. From Alexander Calder’s pioneering work on the first Art Car to Olafur Eliasson’s ice-covered vision, the Art Car Collection encapsulates the fusion of creative expression with technological innovation. Most recently, the 20th BMW Art Car was designed by acclaimed artist Julie Mehretu, continuing the legacy of blending aesthetic mastery with BMW’s forward-thinking engineering.

Known for her abstract, layered paintings, Mehretu approached the car’s design as a conceptual exploration of speed and transformation, mapping intricate linework across the vehicle’s surface. Her creation became not only an extension of her artistic practice but also a representation of the dynamic energy that characterizes both art and driving. This focus on movement and fluidity in Mehretu’s design paved the way for further collaborations between BMW and artists, which continue to evolve with the company’s engagement in major art fairs like Frieze Seoul.

At Frieze Seoul 2024, BMW has once again demonstrated its commitment to artistic exploration with the unveiling of limited-edition BMW i7 miniatures by Korean artist Heemin Chung and London-based artist Alvaro Barrington. Selected by the renowned curator Hans Ulrich Obrist, these artists bring a fresh perspective to the project, reflecting their unique artistic approaches and resonating with BMW’s ethos of human-centered design and technological innovation. Their miniatures encapsulate their responses to the BMW i7, offering a scaled-down yet conceptually rich reinterpretation of the vehicle’s form.

Alvaro Barrington’s miniatures reflect his deep connection to cultural history, particularly his early experiences growing up in Brooklyn, where the rhythms of hip-hop shaped his artistic identity. Influenced by the sounds of artists like Tupac, Biggie, and Nas, Barrington draws from the energy of the streets and the cultural exchange that music fosters. Drawing from video games and their intersection with music and culture, Barrington’s design incorporates references to influential films, music videos, and cultural figures. Each miniature is unique, with imagery that ties back to his personal experiences and the broader cultural history that informs his work.

In contrast, Heemin Chung’s miniatures take a more organic approach, exploring the intersection of 2D and 3D forms. Known for her intricate layering of surfaces, Chung merges flat, illustrative details with sculptural elements, creating a hybrid object that mirrors the tension between the mechanical and the natural. The miniatures themselves are a study in contrasts, with angular lines transitioning into fluid, biomorphic shapes that recall the flight patterns of insects and birds. “I wanted to explore the idea of cars as living organisms, merging technology with nature,” Chung explains, “and the i7 offered the perfect platform to express that.” Her design is a playful fusion of abstraction and realism, echoing the car’s own balance of sleek engineering with its environmentally-conscious innovations. By blending these forms, Chung invites viewers to contemplate the car not just as a machine, but as part of the evolving ecosystem of technological life.

The decision to create 7 miniatures by each artist, a nod to the model number of the BMW i7, demonstrates the detailed thought process that guided their designs. This project emphasizes how artists like Chung and Barrington are able to reinterpret technology through their creative practices, bringing a human element to the often cold and mechanical world of automotive design. Both artists worked in reaction to experiencing the BMW i7 firsthand, channeling their observations and personal artistic philosophies into miniatures that not only mirror the car’s form but also embody their reflections on the future of mobility.

These miniature BMW i7 editions are more than art objects; they represent a convergence of art, technology, and social good. With proceeds from the sale of the miniatures being donated to charities chosen by Chung and Barrington, the project further amplifies the positive social impact of their work. At a time when art and technology are increasingly intertwined, these miniatures offer a poignant reflection on how artists can shape the narrative around the future of transportation.

Frieze Seoul 2024 provides a fitting backdrop for this unveiling, as the fair has become a key platform for artists and institutions to engage with contemporary audiences on a global stage. BMW’s ongoing partnership with Frieze reflects its commitment to fostering dialogue between the worlds of art and design, a dialogue exemplified by the work of Chung and Barrington. As the 2024 edition of Frieze Seoul unfolds, these two artists’ BMW i7 miniatures serve as both an homage to the past and a glimpse into the future, where art and technology continue to intersect in ever more innovative ways.