BMW’s Newest Art Car is Coming to Cape Town

The 20th BMW Art Car which serves as a vibrant expression of abstract artistry by Ethiopian-born American painter Julie Mehretu, is coming to Cape Town at the end of this year.

BMW Art Car

Image: BMW

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This visit is part of a broader initiative, the African Film and Media Arts Collective (AFMAC), designed to amplify the artistic creativity of the African continent. Mehretu’s vision for the BMW M Hybrid V8 transcends mere aesthetic enhancement. She aimed to create “a symbol and vocal archive for the artistic creativity of the African continent.” The car unveiled at the Centre Pompidou in Paris in May 2024, serves as a catalyst for a series of workshops across Africa, culminating in a major exhibition at the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) in Cape Town in 2026.

The AFMAC project, spearheaded by Mehretu and Emmy-nominated film producer Mehret Mandefro, involves a network of African and international artists. Workshops in Lagos, Dakar, Tangier, Nairobi, and Cape Town will engage approximately 50 artists, fostering collaboration and exploration of cultural, political, and historical identity. These workshops, led by artists like Mati Diop, Robin Coste Lewis, and Jim Chuchu, will result in a collection of new film productions.

Related: BMW Art Car Collection Plans Global Tour for Golden Jubilee Year

Mehretu’s design for the Art Car reflects her signature layered abstract style, incorporating photographic transfers, silkscreen, and hand-painted elements. The dynamic, swirling patterns represent the energy and movement of the racing car, while also referencing the complex, interconnected nature of contemporary society. “It’s like a visual score,” Mehretu explains, “a record of the car’s energy and its potential.”

The Cape Town workshop, hosted in partnership with the Realness Institute, will be led by The Otolith Group. The city will also be the final destination for the film anthology, which will be showcased alongside the Art Car at Zeitz MOCAA. This exhibition, curated by Koyo Kouoh, underscores the project’s commitment to creating lasting cultural impact.

BMW Art Car

Image: BMW

BMW’s involvement extends beyond the car itself, focusing on building sustainable infrastructures for African artists. Ilka Horstmeier, a member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, highlights the company’s commitment to “exchange, creativity, and cultural diversity.” The project includes the development of an online film archive, providing ongoing access to African film history and fostering future artistic endeavours. By amplifying African voices and fostering creative collaboration, the project aims to leave a lasting legacy on the continent’s artistic landscape.

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The post BMW’s Newest Art Car is Coming to Cape Town appeared first on CAR Magazine.


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