BMW Group Middle East is marking the 50th anniversary of the BMW Art Car Collection by showcasing Andy Warhol’s iconic BMW M1 Art Car at Art Dubai 2025 (April 16-20).
This exclusive showcase underscores BMW’s commitment to creativity and cultural expression. Karim-Christian Haririan, Managing Director of BMW Group Middle East, emphasized, “Warhol’s BMW M1 Art Car bridges art and automotive innovation. We’re thrilled to bring it to Art Dubai, celebrating 50 years of BMW Art Cars while fostering artistic dialogue in the region.” Dr. Thomas Girst, Head of Cultural Engagement at BMW Group, added, “Art and culture are in BMW’s DNA. With the BMW Art Car World Tour underway, the Middle East is playing a key role in this global celebration of heritage and design.”
On April 17, a BMW Art Talk titled “Driven by Art: Are Commissions and Co-Creations the Future?” will explore the evolution of the BMW Art Car series. Featuring speakers like Hans Ulrich Obrist, Stephanie Rosenthal, Azu Nwagbogu, and Dr. Girst, the panel will dive into how these cars reflect societal change and the future of artistic collaboration.
Warhol, a Pop Art pioneer, painted the M1 in 1979, leaving his personal mark on a car designed by Giorgio Giugiaro. That same year, it raced at Le Mans, finishing sixth overall and second in its class. His work continues to influence art and culture, making this Art Dubai showcase a historic moment.
Art Dubai 2025
This masterpiece, a fusion of automotive excellence and contemporary art, will make its debut in Dubai, turning the region’s premier art fair into a stage for a moving canvas. Warhol’s bold brushstrokes transformed the M1 into a vivid depiction of speed and dynamism in just 28 minutes, using 13 pounds of paint. Reflecting on his work, he famously said, “I love that car. It has turned out better than the artwork.”This exclusive showcase underscores BMW’s commitment to creativity and cultural expression. Karim-Christian Haririan, Managing Director of BMW Group Middle East, emphasized, “Warhol’s BMW M1 Art Car bridges art and automotive innovation. We’re thrilled to bring it to Art Dubai, celebrating 50 years of BMW Art Cars while fostering artistic dialogue in the region.” Dr. Thomas Girst, Head of Cultural Engagement at BMW Group, added, “Art and culture are in BMW’s DNA. With the BMW Art Car World Tour underway, the Middle East is playing a key role in this global celebration of heritage and design.”
On April 17, a BMW Art Talk titled “Driven by Art: Are Commissions and Co-Creations the Future?” will explore the evolution of the BMW Art Car series. Featuring speakers like Hans Ulrich Obrist, Stephanie Rosenthal, Azu Nwagbogu, and Dr. Girst, the panel will dive into how these cars reflect societal change and the future of artistic collaboration.
Warhol, a Pop Art pioneer, painted the M1 in 1979, leaving his personal mark on a car designed by Giorgio Giugiaro. That same year, it raced at Le Mans, finishing sixth overall and second in its class. His work continues to influence art and culture, making this Art Dubai showcase a historic moment.
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