Julie Mehretu’s BMW Art Car: Where Art and Speed Collide in Paris

Art and motorsport enthusiasts alike have something spectacular to celebrate. Julie Mehretu’s BMW Art Car has made its grand debut at the Centre Pompidou in Paris, marking a thrilling addition to the legendary BMW Art Car series. Imagine a BMW M Hybrid V8 not just as a high-performance machine but as a canvas brought to life by one of contemporary art’s most magnetic figures. This is more than just a car; it’s a moving masterpiece, ready to race in the upcoming 24 Hours of Le Mans.

World Premiere BMW Art Car #20 by Julie Mehretu

Art in Full Throttle 

Julie Mehretu, a force in the art world, has transformed the BMW M Hybrid V8 into a “performative painting.” Her vision pushes the boundaries of what an art car can be. Mehretu’s design pulls from her monumental painting “Everywhen,” infusing the car with layered dot grids, neon veils, and her iconic black markings. This visually explosive piece was realized through advanced 3D mapping, seamlessly integrating art with the car’s contours.

Julie Mehretu’s “Everywhere”.

“The whole BMW Art Car project is about invention, imagination, and pushing the limits of what can be possible,” says Mehretu. “I see this car not merely as an exhibit but as something that will race at Le Mans.”

Racing Towards History 

In just a few weeks, this striking creation will hit the track at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, driven by BMW Motorsport’s top talents—Sheldon van der Linde, Robin Frijns, and René Rast. The anticipation is electric, not just for the race but for the sheer spectacle of seeing a piece of high-speed art in action. The BMW M Hybrid V8, with its hybrid electric drivetrain system and a 4.0-litre V8 engine, is set to compete in the Hypercars category, showcasing both its power and artistic flair.

A Broader Vision 

Mehretu’s collaboration with BMW extends beyond the racetrack. Together, they are launching a series of PanAfrican Translocal Media Workshops, set to tour cities like Dakar, Marrakech, Kigali, Lagos, and Cape Town. This initiative aims to nurture the creative potential of young artists across Africa, culminating in a major exhibition at the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa in Cape Town in 2026. It’s a bold move to expand the influence of the BMW Art Car project, fostering creativity across the African continent.

Julie Mehreau’s BMW Art Car.

Legacy of Innovation 

For nearly 50 years, BMW Art Cars have epitomized the fusion of art, mobility, and design. Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, highlights the significance of Mehretu’s contribution: “Julie Mehretu’s vision for a racing car is an extraordinarily strong addition to our BMW Art Cars series. Her ideas have inspired us to expand our cultural commitment, promoting the creativity of young artists in Africa.”

Showcasing at Villa d’Este 

Before it roars onto the Le Mans track, Mehretu’s BMW Art Car will be showcased at the Concorso d’Eleganza at Villa d’Este in Lake Como. Here, it will stand alongside legendary BMW Art Cars created by icons like Alexander Calder, Frank Stella, Roy Lichtenstein, and Andy Warhol. It’s a celebration of the art car legacy, a nod to the past, and a look into the future.

About Julie Mehretu 

Born in Addis Ababa and now based in New York and Berlin, Julie Mehretu is renowned for her dynamic visual interpretations of contemporary experiences. Her paintings, drawings, and prints offer a profound exploration of contemporary experience, engaging viewers in the psychogeography of space and social behavior. With accolades like the MacArthur Award and exhibitions worldwide, Mehretu continues to push boundaries and inspire.

Julie Mehretu Herself With Her BMW Masterpiece.

Inspiring Future Creatives 

The PanAfrican Translocal Media Workshops, co-organized with Emmy-nominated producer Mehret Mandefro, aim to provide a platform for African artists to innovate and collaborate. The workshops’ outcomes will be showcased alongside Mehretu’s BMW Art Car at the Zeitz MOCAA in 2026, highlighting the transformative power of creativity.

Julie Mehretu’s BMW Art Car is more than a vehicle; it’s a revolution on wheels. It’s a vivid reminder that art and technology can merge to create something truly extraordinary. As it speeds towards the future, it invites us all—art lovers, car enthusiasts, and collectors alike—to join the ride and witness the exhilarating fusion of creativity and engineering.

The 20th BMW Art Car by Julie Mehretu.

For more insights into Julie Mehretu’s artistic journey and the captivating world of BMW Art Cars, follow her on Instagram, visit her website, or explore her engaging videos and podcasts on YouTube. Don’t miss the chance to experience this thrilling blend of art and speed.