Since 2004, BMW is proud to have partnered with Frieze Art Fair London, the world’s greatest Contemporary Art Fair.
For five days each year, the Regent’s Park based fair brings together artworks from over 160 contemporary galleries across almost 30 different countries, showcasing a range of contemporary and historical pieces for a broad audience.
BMW Open Work is a joint creative endeavour launched in 2017 that brings together art and technology in pioneering multi-platform formats.
This year, BMW worked with New York-based artist, Sam Lewitt. His work was presented in the BMW Lounge as well as in the VIP Car Service at Frieze London. BMW also took the opportunity to showcase their new luxury sports car: The 8. Those who enjoyed the luxury of entering the BMW Lounge had the chance to explore the new elegant racer surrounded by Sam Lewitt’s inspired installations.
“Now in its second year, BMW Open Work offers to artists the possibility of engaging in a rich dialogue with BMW engineering and design expertise. This dialogue is a unique possibility of encounter and creation between different fields. Working with a sharp artist such as Sam Lewitt, whose project challenges conceptually and sculpturally our understanding at the core of motor corporate production, is absolutely thrilling.”
Attilia Fattori Franchini, BMW Open Work Curator
Lewitt is the second recipient of BMW Open Work. His ambitious new installation has been inspired by conversations had with BMW engine specialists. Entitled CORE, it reimagines the engines manufacturing process using alternate materials — like sand and aluminum.
“I’m interested in the components that are literally at the core of the technological developments that facilitate driving experiences,” Lewitt explains.
Olivia Erlanger, a New York based artist earned selection for the 2017 BMW Open Work initiative.
For the commission, Erlanger was inspired by current and future BMW technology and created an immersive space which flowed through the fair. The installation, “Body Electric”, drew the audience in with a mix of interactive audio, unusual lighting and unique sculptures that aimed to drive conversation on the changing relationship between people and technology.
“Commissioning new work has been at the heart of Frieze London since it began. Through this partnership with BMW, we are thrilled to be supporting ambitious, thought-provoking work and opening up conversations between art, design and technology.”
Jo Stella-Sawicka, Artistic Director, Frieze
In 2016, BMW Individual and Esther Mahlangu collaborated to create a unique BMW 7 Series, 25 years after she created a BMW Art Car which was the first to be signed by a woman.
Mahlangu's unique graphic design style is comprised of the bold colours inspired by her cultural background as a member of the Ndebele people.
