Andy Warhol's Hand-Painted BMW M1 Art Car Exhibited in Grand Central Terminal
Andy Warhol's 1979 hand-painted BMW M1, which he declared superior to traditional art, is currently showcased in Grand Central Terminal. The vehicle features vibrant red, blue, green, and yellow brushstrokes that merge to evoke motion. This display includes three additional artist-designed cars by Frank Stella, Roy Lichtenstein, and Robert Rauschenberg. The BMW art car initiative launched in 1975 with Alexander Calder's design, resulting in 16 vehicles to date. Warhol's contribution stands out for its dynamic aesthetic and his personal endorsement of its artistic value. The exhibition highlights a unique fusion of automotive engineering and contemporary art, drawing attention to a longstanding collaborative project between artists and the automaker. The cars are presented as part of a public installation, making high-profile artworks accessible in a transit hub. This event underscores the enduring legacy of artist interventions in commercial and industrial contexts.
Key facts
- Andy Warhol hand-painted a BMW M1 in 1979
- Warhol stated the car was 'much better than a work of art'
- The car features red, blue, green, and yellow strokes that blur to suggest speed
- It is currently on display in Grand Central Terminal
- The exhibition includes cars by Frank Stella, Roy Lichtenstein, and Robert Rauschenberg
- The BMW art car project began in 1975 with Alexander Calder
- The project has produced 16 art cars to date
- The source is Reuters from March 25, 2009
Entities
Artists
- Andy Warhol
- Frank Stella
- Roy Lichtenstein
- Robert Rauschenberg
- Alexander Calder
Institutions
- BMW
- Grand Central Terminal
Locations
- New York
- United States