BMW Group and publisher Hatje Cantz announced today that they would release a comprehensive publication covering the legendary BMW Art Cars. For over 40 years, the BMW Art Cars have been a popular project for art enthusiasts and car lovers combined. The richly illustrated book will provide an overview of the history of the collection that includes designs by major modern and contemporary artists on some of the most memorable BMW models.
It all started back at the 1975 24 Hours of Le Mans where then BMW Motorsport Director, Jochen Neerpasch, and art aficionado and race car driver, Hervé Poulain, asked his artist friend Alexander Calder to design the car's livery. The car instantly became the fan favorite at the race, providing the spark for the great program that is now the BMW Art Car Collection.
Since then 17 artists have put their mark on a BMW model, with some being amongst the most renowned artists of our time: Alexander Calder (1975), Frank Stella (1976), Roy Lichtenstein (1977), Andy Warhol (1979), Ernst Fuchs (1982), Robert Rauschenberg (1986), Michael Jagamara Nelson (1989), Ken Done (1989), Matazo Kayama (1990), César Manrique (1990), A. R. Penck (1991), Esther Mahlangu (1991), Sandro Chia (1992), David Hockney (1995), Jenny Holzer (1999), Olafur Eliasson (2007), Jeff Koons (2010).
Featuring over 200 pages and 148 images, this book will make a great addition to any BMW fan's library or coffee table. You can purchase it from Hatje Cantz for € 29.80 on their website here.—Nate Risch
