For the second consecutive year, the streets of Stockholm will witness a fusion of automotive excellence and artistic expression as electric BMW cars adorned with the captivating work of Nordic artists glide through the city. In a collaboration with Market Art Fair, scheduled from May 17th to May 19th, Swedish artist Katrin Westman’s intricate designs will grace these sleek vehicles, shuttling guests to and from the prestigious event.
The initiative, inspired by the iconic BMW Art Car project tracing its roots back to 1975, continues to spotlight emerging talents from the Nordic region. Johanna Kriisa, CEO of BMW Sweden, underlines the brand’s enduring commitment to art and culture, stating, “Combining art and mobility has always been a passion for BMW. The collaboration with Market Art Fair gives us a unique opportunity to support young Nordic artists.”
Katrin Westman’s winning entry, titled “Wetland,” draws inspiration from the Baroque era, infusing it with her signature blend of sensuality and abstraction. Her dramatic use of color palette promises to captivate onlookers and art enthusiasts alike. The mobile artworks will not only ferry guests during the fair but will also adorn the vicinity of Liljevalchs, extending the artistic ambiance beyond the event’s confines.
Reflecting on the convergence of art and design, Westman expresses optimism about the symbiotic relationship between industrial designers and artists. “There are things to learn from each other, but only time will tell exactly what and where it will lead,” she muses.
Market Art Fair’s Petra Stenvall-Thompson echoes the sentiment, emphasizing the significance of BMW’s collaboration in amplifying the reach of young artists. “To be able to collaborate with such a natural partner and together promote a young artist and bring the art into the city in the form of mobile artworks feels fantastic,” says Stenvall-Thompson.
The BMW Art Car project, with a storied history spanning nearly five decades, has witnessed the transformation of cars into rolling canvases by acclaimed artists worldwide. From Alexander Calder’s pioneering strokes to the latest addition by Julie Mehretu, the project continues to redefine the intersection of art and automotive culture.
As the anticipation builds for the 2024 Le Mans 24-hour race, where Julie Mehretu’s abstract masterpiece will compete, the legacy of BMW’s artistic endeavors remains vibrant and enduring. With each stroke of creativity, the boundaries between art and mobility blur, propelling Stockholm into a realm where innovation meets artistic expression in motion.
The streets of Stockholm are poised to become a gallery on wheels, where every turn unveils a new masterpiece, encapsulating the essence of BMW’s commitment to driving culture forward.
