— Andy Warhol, BMW Art Car #4, 1979
In a world where art often goes beyond the boundaries of the canvas, few creations have captured the imagination quite like Andy Warhol’s BMW M1 Art Car. Bold and dynamic, this iconic piece of pop art defies convention with broad, sweeping strokes that create the illusion of motion and speed—capturing the very essence of racing in an artwork that took the artist less than 30 minutes to complete.
In celebration of BMW Art Car Collection's 50th anniversary, BMW Group Middle East brings this iconic masterpiece to make its debut in Dubai, gracing the prestigious Art Dubai 2025 for the first time. Art Dubai 2025 will take place from 16-20 April at Madinat Jumeirah, an event that will captivate art lovers, collectors, and enthusiasts from around the world, sparking conversation and reflection on the evolving relationship between these two powerful forces.
What better place to showcase such a perfect collaboration celebrating art than the BMW M1 Art Car Collection? Andy Warhol, the American visual artist, film director, and producer, was a revolutionary figure in the Pop Art movement and is widely regarded as one of the most important artists of the 20th century. Known for his experimental approach to creativity, Warhol’s transformation of the BMW M1 into a work of art is the perfect embodiment of his visionary style. Warhol turned the car into a moving masterpiece, injecting the vehicle with the same dynamic energy and fluidity that defined his best-known works.
Reflecting on his creation, Warhol remarked, ‘I love that car. It has turned out better than the artwork.’ His words capture the essence of the BMW M1 Art Car, which is no longer just a racing car but a cultural icon in its own right. Symbolising the convergence of art and technology, the car represents the innovative spirit of both the automotive and artistic worlds, showcasing how creative expression can redefine even the most utilitarian of objects.
As the BMW Art Car Collection celebrates its 50th anniversary, it’s a reminder that creativity knows no limits.
Visit: bmw.com
Hayley Alexander
Editor-in chief
London-born storyteller, obsessed with the 90s, beach dinner views, seafood and collecting magazines from all over the world