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The 13th BMW Art Car on Display at the India Art Fair

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The 13th BMW Art Car, designed by artist Sandro Chia

The 13th BMW Art Car, designed by artist Sandro Chia

Many automotive enthusiasts consider their favorite vehicle models to be true works of art. BMW has taken that idea to the next level through its BMW Art Car Collection. Since 1975, BMW has collaborated with some of the world’s most renowned artists to transform its vehicles into rolling works of art. Over the years, these BMW Art Cars  have been displayed at various art galleries and fairs. Now, one of BMW’s most popular Art Car models will be visiting New Delhi.

The 13th BMW Art Car will be on display at the India Art Fair this weekend.

A Blend of BMW and Art: Latest BMW Art Car Makes Its Debut

The 13th model in the BMW Art Car Collection is the work of Italian artist Sandro Chia. 25 years ago, Chia was invited by BMW to participate in the BMW Art Car Collection using a 1992 BMW M3 GTR as his canvas. For his design, Chia decided to draw inspiration from how people viewed automobiles. The result is a light-hearted, pictorial representation of a multitude of faces, each bearing a unique expression.

“The automobile is a much coveted object within our society,” stated Sandro Chia while commenting on his work. “It is the centre of attraction. People look at it. This car reflects those looks.”

Another view of BMW's 13th Art Car

Another view of BMW’s 13th Art Car

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the 1992 BMW Art Car. In order to celebrate, BMW is sending the vehicle to the India Art Fair in New Delhi. The Fair, one of the largest gatherings of artists and art aficionados in India, will be held from February 2 to February 5.

Prior to this, the 13th BMW Art Car was showcased at Rome’s Quadriennale d’Art from October 13, 2016 to January 7, 2017.

Alexander Calder BMW Art Car

The very first BMW Art Car, designed by Alexander Calder

The BMW Art Car Collection originated in 1975, when race car driver Hervé Poulain asked his friend, artist Alexander Calder, to design a unique, artistic automobile. Since then, various artists, ranging from Andy Warhol to Roy Lichtenstein, have added their own stylized vehicles to the collection.

BMW Art on Display: Top 5 Best BMW Art Cars

The most recent BMW Art Car comes from John Baldessari, a contemporary artist from America. Baldessari used a BMW M6 GTLM for the design project. Another BMW Art Car, designed by Chinese artist Cao Fei, is set to be unveiled later this summer.

19th BMW Art Car

The latest edition to the BMW Art Car Collection, from artist John Baldessari

If you happen to be in New Delhi this weekend, or you are willing to make the trip out there, then consider stopping by the India Art Fair to admire this four-wheeled canvas brought to life.

Gallery: BMW Art Cars Throughout the Years

(Left to right: 1975: Alexander Calder BMW 3.0 CSL, 1977: Roy Lichtenstein BMW 320i, 1979: Andy Warhol BMW M1, 1989: Ken Done BMW M3, 1989: Michael Jagamara Nelson BMW M3)

(Left to right: 1991: A.R. Penck BMW Z1, 1992: Sandro Chia BMW M3 GTR, 1995: David Hockney BMW 850 CSi, 2007: Olafur Eliasson BMW H2R, 2016: John Baldessari BMW M6 GTLM)

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