New BMW Art Car by Robert Rauschenberg

From Saturday 2 August, a new eye catcher will enrich the exhibition Fine Art on Wheels at the Louwman Museum: the iconic BMW 635CSi by the American artist Robert Rauschenberg. This moving artwork replaces the BMW M1 by Andy Warhol, which has been temporarily loaned to Pebble Beach Concours dElegance in California.

With the arrival of Rauschenberg's BMW, the exhibition is not only expanded but also deepened. The 1986 BMW 635CSi was the first Art Car on which photographic material was applied to the bodywork—a groundbreaking concept that brings together classical painting, photography, and environmental imagery in a collage on wheels. The right side shows an odalisque by Ingres, the left side a portrait by Bronzino, surrounded by photos of marsh grass in the Everglades. Even the hubcaps carry photos of antique dishes.

"Drivable museums would be great. This car is a dream come true for me."
Robert Rauschenberg

Rauschenberg is regarded as a pioneer of American pop art. His innovative style, known as Combine Painting, weaves together painting, photography and found objects into powerful visual narratives. With his contribution, he brought the American chapter of the BMW Art Car history to a unique close.

The exhibition consists of eight remarkable BMW Art Cars, each designed by an internationally renowned artist. In addition to Rauschenberg, works can be seen by:

- Alexander Calder - with bold color fields and racing spirit (BMW 3.0 CSL, 1975)

- Frank Stella - the man who brought technical drawings to life (BMW 3.0 CSL, 1976)

- Roy Lichtenstein - known for his comic style landscape on wheels (BMW 320i Gruppe 5, 1977)

- Cesar Manrique – with organic shapes and volcanic colors (BMW 730i, 1990)

- Esther Mahlangu – with traditional Ndebele patterns (BMW 525i, 1991)

- David Hockney, who offered a glimpse into the interior of the car (BMW 850CSi, 1995)

- Jeff Koons - with an explosive, race ready livery (BMW M3 GT2, 2010)

Together they form a unique journey through fifty years of modern art history on four wheels.

See them now in The Great Hall
All eight cars can be seen in real life. In the large, light space of The Great Hall, the designs are shown at their very best. This unique combination of art and motorsport can be admired at the Louwman Museum until 31 August. Open seven days a week.