How automobiles inspired artists to design their works on canvas
on the iconic Red Bull RB14. Cox is among a constellation of cartists like Andy Warhol, Banksy, Roy Lichtenstein and JonOne who have made automobiles a canvas for their work.
In 2013, footballer Eric Cantona raised more than 100,000 pounds for charity by donatinghis Rolls Royce Corniche II, painted by American graffiti artist JonOne. Rear-view Mirror Artist Dr Doodle left space for Red Bull drivers Max Verstappen and Sergio ‘Checo’ Perez to sign on The Doodle Bull, auctioned by Christie’s in February.“Cars have influenced artists since the early 20th century, from the Italian ‘Futurismo’ and creators like Giacomo Balla to post-war positions like Wolf Vostell or contemporary artists like Richard Prince and his ‘Hoods’,” says Dr Dirk Boll, deputy chairman, 20th & 21st Century Art, Christie’s. In all those cases, cars were used as sculptures or static mediums to paint on. But the credit for having invented the moving art car goes to BMW. “Since 1975, this company has regularly given cars to leading artists, from Alexander Calder and Andy Warhol to Jenny Holzer and — the latest art car, just announced — Julie Mehretu,” adds Dr Boll.
Full Speed Ahead Volvo FL6 box truck named ‘Laugh now but one day we’ll be in charge’ is an early work of artist Banksy.Closer home, celebrated artist Subodh Gupta says that in the past few years, cars are increasingly becoming associated with art. From the Basel Art Fair, to the Kochi Biennale and India Art Fair, automobiles are providing a popular canvas for artists to display their creativity. “A car becomes a very versatile canvas. That being said, I was quite amazed at how high the value of a car increased when painted upon. For instance, the cars Jeff Koons painted on sold for many
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