Piston.my

The BMW M1 Art Car presented in a new perspective 40 years later

“I love this car. It’s more successful than the artwork,” was the opinion of Andy Warhol after his sweeping brush strokes had transformed the BMW M1. It took him less than half an hour to create the fourth exhibit in the BMW Art Car Collection which was beginning to capture attention globally. That was 40 years ago.

In 2019, enthusiasm for the mid-engined sportscar originally designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro remains. Already world-famous at that time, the US icon of Pop Art shared the same passion with many automobile fans of that bygone era. And the fascination of the unique special created by Warhol has indeed increased.

Andy Warhol BMW M1 Art Car

Highlight of the BMW Art Car Collection
Many fans regard his Art Car as the highlight of the entire collection which now numbers 19. It’s therefore hardly surprising that Munich-based automobile photographer Stephan Bauer spontaneously opted for the model when he was selecting his dream subject on four wheels.

Last year, Bauer emerged as the victor in the Social Media Contest ‘Shootout 2018’ organised by BMW Group Classic. He was given the opportunity for an exclusive photo shoot with BMW Art Car Number Four. His series of images to mark the 40th birthday of the M1 provide a completely new perspective on one of the most legendary vehicles from the history of BMW.Andy Warhol BMW M1 Art Car

Andy Warhol BMW M1 Art Car

A completely new perspective
Against the backdrop of an old factory building in Cologne, Bauer choreographed a spectacular contrast between the brightly coloured Art Car and the dull grey of the abandoned industrial structure. At a subsequent outdoor session, laser lights shrouded the BMW in a positively mystical atmosphere. In both settings, the Art Car kept emerging from a completely new perspective – and always to perfection.

Andy Warhol BMW M1 Art Car
Andy Warhol painting the BMW M1 Group 4 sportscar in 1979. It took him less than half an hour to create the fourth exhibit in the BMW Art Car Collection which has captured attention globally.

40 years ago, the cameras had hardly been set up when Warhol had already finished painting the bodywork in all the colours of the rainbow. As the artist explained later, his speed was a reflection of the statement made by his work of art: “I attempted to show speed as a visual image. When an automobile is really travelling fast, all the lines and colours are transformed into a blur.”

Click here for other BMW news and articles on PISTON.MY.

Covering the motor industry since 1977 and still at it!

Related Articles