Love it or hate it, but you can’t ignore it
BMW art cars are nothing new, with the Bavarian brand offering us many visual delights along the years.
The first woman to create artwork on a BMW car is Esther Mahlangu, a South African artist who used bright colors and ornamental shapes typical of the Ndebele art to put her mark on a 525i Sedan 25 years ago. Now, BMW has invited her to adorn another BMW vehicle, a 740 Li sedan.
This time, however, Mahlangu focused on the interior of the vehicle, painting her characteristic motifs on the car's wood ornaments. BMW Individual Manufacture provided her with a special white-colored fine-wood trim that was sealed after being painted to ensure it will stand the test of time.
"The patterns I have used on the BMW parts marry tradition to the essence of BMW. When BMW sent me the panels to paint, I could see the design in my head and I just wanted to get started!" said Esther Mahlangu.
Although the painted wood panels are the highlight of the 740Li, the right-hand drive vehicle adds many features from the BMW Individual Collection. These include 20-inch light alloy wheels in V-spoke styling, a Pure Metal Silver exterior color, full fine-grain Merino leather in Smoke White/Black, as well as a leather steering wheel with piano black trim.
The one-off BMW 740 Li will have its public debut at the Frieze Art Fair (October 5- 9) in Regent's Park, London, where it will be offered for silent auction.