The latest BMW Art Car, designed by the acclaimed New York-based artist Julie Mehretu, was unveiled today at the Centre Pompidou in Paris. This project transforms the BMW M Hybrid V8 race car into a dynamic piece of art, continuing BMW’s tradition of merging art with competitive racing. After its Paris debut, the car will compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Julie Mehretu described the project: “The BMW Art Car is about invention and imagination. I see it not just as an exhibit but as a race car for Le Mans. It’s a performative painting, only complete once the race is over. My Art Car was created in close collaboration with the motorsport and engineering teams.”
Expanding Cultural Commitments with Workshops in Africa
BMW and Julie Mehretu are also launching PanAfrican Translocal Media Workshops for filmmakers, touring various African cities in 2025 and 2026, culminating in an exhibition at the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa in Cape Town.
Oliver Zipse, Chairman of BMW AG, said: “BMW Art Cars reflect our cultural commitment. Julie Mehretu’s vision adds a powerful new dimension to our series. Her ideas have inspired us to support young African artists through these workshops.”
From Canvas to Race Car
Julie Mehretu used elements from her painting “Everywhen” to design the car. She explained, “In my studio, I imagined the car going through the painting, creating a mash-up of art and vehicle.”
The car’s design was achieved using 3D mapping, transferring Mehretu’s motifs onto the BMW M Hybrid V8. This elaborate design allows the car to compete at Le Mans with drivers Sheldon van der Linde, Robin Frijns, and René Rast. Mehretu will showcase the car at the Concorso d’Eleganza at Villa d’Este before the race.
Supporting Emerging African Artists
Following Le Mans, the PanAfrican Translocal Media Workshops will visit Dakar, Marrakech, Kigali, Lagos, and Cape Town. These workshops aim to foster collaboration among African artists and filmmakers, culminating in a major exhibition at the Zeitz MOCAA in 2026.
About Julie Mehretu
Julie Mehretu, born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and based in New York and Berlin, is renowned for her dynamic visual exploration of contemporary life. She has received numerous awards and her work has been featured in major exhibitions worldwide.
The BMW Art Car Tradition
The BMW Art Car program began in 1975, with artists like Alexander Calder, Andy Warhol, and Jenny Holzer transforming BMW cars into iconic works of art. The collection travels globally, showcasing the intersection of art and automotive design.
