The Icelandic-Danish artist Olafur Eliasson has now become one of very few artists commissioned to redesign a BMW as a part of the BMW Art Car project. Unlike predecessors like Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein, Olafur has not just painted an "ordinary" BMW (if there ever was such a thing as an "ordinary" BMW); Olafur has actually taken the hydrogen powered H2R concept vehicle and stripped it's chassis, replacing the body with his own artwork. The car, which he calls "Your mobile expectations", is made of steel mesh, reflective panels and ICE! Over 500 gallons of water were sprayed over the vehicle to create layers of ice over it.
Olafur Eliasson is considered one of the most significant representatives of contemporary art. "He is best known for his alluring, site-specific installations that harness optical cognition and re-contextualize meteorological elements such as light, wind, temperature, and especially water, in all its various stages. He electrified the art world in 2003 with The weather project - a gigantic artificial sun installed inside the Turbine Hall of London's Tate Modern." (mwerks.com)
The car is a part of Your Tempo: Olafur Eliasson exhibition at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and will be on display from September 8th until January 13th 2008.
Hydrogen Car Made of Ice
BMW Art Car
Trend Themes
1. Art Cars - The BMW Art Car project showcases how art and technology can harmoniously co-exist, paving the way for future collaborations.
2. Sustainable Art - Olafur Eliasson's use of ice as a medium for his art highlights the potential of renewable and eco-friendly materials in art and design.
3. Hydrogen-powered Vehicles - The H2R concept vehicle showcases the potential of hydrogen as a fuel source and encourages further exploration and development of this technology.
Industry Implications
1. Automotive - Collaborations between automotive companies and artists can lead to innovative designs and unique product offerings that set them apart from competitors.
2. Art - Exploring the potential of sustainable and renewable materials in art can lead to groundbreaking and eco-friendly installations that inspire and promote environmental awareness.
3. Energy - The use of hydrogen as a fuel source for vehicles has the potential to revolutionize the automotive and energy industries, driving innovation and progress towards a more sustainable future.