BMW is spotlighting hydrogen as a sustainable energy source in its collaboration with renowned London-based artist Es Devlin at this year’s Art Basel in Basel. Celebrating two decades of partnership with Art Basel, BMW has commissioned Devlin to create a series of multi-media works, set to be unveiled on June 10th in Hall 1.1 of the art fair. Devlin’s booth will feature four works: Surfacing (2024), Surfacing II (2024), Mask (2018), and Mask in Motion (2018), each reflecting the intersection of art and advanced hydrogen technology.
As an opening act, Devlin, in collaboration with BMW, presents mobile sound installations within a pilot fleet of BMW iX5 Hydrogen vehicles, enveloped in prints of Devlin’s collaged paintings. Passengers in these vehicles can listen to Devlin’s discussions with BMW engineers on the potential of hydrogen technology.
“The works on innovation and mobility created by Es Devlin for Art Basel offer an impressive example of how technology can serve as inspiration for art,” said Michael Rath, Head of Hydrogen Vehicles at BMW Group. “We are very proud of the radiance of the BMW Group’s pioneering hydrogen technology.”
The BMW iX5 Hydrogen: A Symbol of Sustainable Innovation
The BMW iX5 Hydrogen, developed on the basis of the BMW X5, features a fuel cell system outputting 125 kW/170 hp and a combined system output of 285 kW/401 hp. With a refueling time of three to four minutes, it offers a range of 504 kilometers, highlighting the practicality and efficiency of hydrogen as a clean energy source. This vehicle, currently being tested in selected countries, will serve as a shuttle service at Art Basel 2024.
“The hydrogen fuel cell technology provides an additional supplement to battery-electric drive systems,” emphasized Rath, highlighting BMW’s open-technology approach to future mobility solutions.
Es Devlin’s Artistic Exploration
Devlin’s exhibit at Art Basel includes Surfacing (2024), an illuminated cube of rain penetrated by a line of light, and Surfacing II (2024), featuring painted televisions with a dancing figure that displaces pixels and pigment. These are complemented by Mask (2018), a projection-mapped model city fusing hands and river, and Mask in Motion (2018), a revolving illuminated city. Each piece reflects Devlin’s ongoing exploration of the relationship between humans and technology.
In addition to the visual installations, Devlin has created a soundscape derived from her year-long engagement with BMW engineers. This soundscape, underscored by compositions from Polyphonia, is played to guests in the hydrogen-powered BMW iX5 vehicles.
Devlin remarked, “I learned from the BMW engineers the beautiful symmetry of the system at work within the hydrogen fuel cell: the energy that is used to separate hydrogen atoms from oxygen is recreated when the oxygen is reunited with hydrogen within the car. The by-product is not only the energy which propels the vehicle, but water.”
The exterior of the BMW iX5 Hydrogen features Devlin’s painted blue and white collage, integrating elements from Hokusai’s iconic The Great Wave off Kanagawa and literary excerpts from James Joyce’s Ulysses, alongside BMW publications on hydrogen technology.
Experience the Art and Technology
Visitors can book their seats for the hourly demonstrations of Devlin’s Surfacing at Art Basel from June 13th to 16th, 2024, in Hall 1.1, Messeplatz 10, 4005 Basel, Switzerland. This unique blend of art and technology underscores BMW’s commitment to sustainability and innovation.
