As part of this year’s Frieze London Art Fair, BMW commissioned Paris-based artist Camille Blatrix for the BMW Open Work 2019. Exploring the concept of desire and also BMW technology, Blatrix’s work premiered in October 2019. A VIP shuttle service was provided by BMW transporting guests with the 7 Series and X7.

This is the third consecutive year that BMW and Frieze have joined forces to create the BMW Open Work. This initiative aims to bring together art, technology and design in a pioneering multi-platform format. Blatrix has chosen to work with BMW Individual, BMW Group’s department specialized in car customisation.

“Sirens” was the title of this year’s partnership with the focal point being the BMW M850i Convertible. The vehicle was surrounded by synthetic sculptures and complemented with enchanting music, which gave the BMW Lounge a captivating atmosphere.

Blatrix, whose work has been displayed at Palais de Tokyo, Paris and the Sculpture Center, New York, explored themes of physical perfection and production techniques. And for this reason, decided to use BMW Individual as a focal point for his work, making the most of BMW Group’s vast skills and craftmanship with regards to customisation.

Blatrix said,“My practice is deeply rooted in a close dialogue with makers and suppliers, with ideas emerging intuitively from a direct technical conversation. Thanks to BMW Individual, I can harness unparalleled technical knowledge, skills and facilities in a truly open-ended way. I’m excited to explore possibilities of production and consider limits of physical perfection working towards the commission at Frieze London.”

BMW OPEN WORK.

Curated by Attilia Fattori Franchini since its inception in 2017, BMW Open Work is a joint creative endeavour launched in 2017 that brings together art and technology in pioneering multi-platform formats.

Fattori Franchini said: “At its third year, BMW Open Work has developed into a unique encounter between industrial knowledge, technology, and artistic thought. Working with such a talented practitioner as Camille Blatrix is an exciting privilege. I can’t wait to see how his interest in the emotional possibilities of functional objects produces new and uncanny relationships through working with BMW.”

ABOUT FRIEZE.

Founded in 1991 by Matthew Slotover and Amanda Sharp, Frieze is a platform for modern and contemporary art. Frieze comprises three magazines - frieze magazine, frieze masters magazine and Frieze Week - and three international art fairs - Frieze London, Frieze Masters and Frieze New York. Additionally, Frieze organizes a program of special courses and lectures in London and abroad through the Frieze Academy.

Find out more about Frieze Art Fair here.