In support of this year’s Sunshine Coast Art Prize, a BMW and a MINI art car plus a BMW motorbike will hit Sunshine Coast streets featuring artworks of selected Sunshine Coast Art Prize 2020 finalists, thanks to Coastline BMW.
The art cars pay homage to the iconic BMW Art Car project, a long-running art series introduced in 1975 by French race car driver and auctioneer Hervé Poulain.
The vehicles showcase work by this year’s art prize finalists Michael Nelson Jagamara, Natalya Hughes and Kent Morris.
Michael Nelson Jagamarra was also commissioned in 1989 to paint an original work onto a BMW Art Car. Since 1975, several iconic artists have been commissioned including Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Ken Done and Jeff Koons.
Community Portfolio Councillor Rick Baberowski said skinning these sponsor vehicles was a deliberate, attention-grabbing way to take art out of our galleries and onto the streets.
“By taking such striking artworks off the gallery walls and onto these vehicles, we are putting art out amongst the broader community and drawing attention to the Sunshine Coast Art Prize exhibition, which should mean more people will enjoy the art and take the opportunity to see the works at Caloundra Regional Gallery,” Cr Baberowski said.
Coastline BMW dealer principal Brad Butcher said Coastline BMW had been an active part of the Sunshine Coast Arts Community for more than 25 years, continuing BMW’s passion for the arts.
“The Art Car initiative was first introduced through BMW and is a proud tradition that Coastline BMW upholds; the cars are a captivating symbol of the Sunshine Coast Art Prize and an incredible addition to the streets of the Sunshine Coast,” Mr Butcher said.
“This year we chose a vehicle from each of our brands; a BMW, MINI, and BMW Motorcycle and each installation represents each brand beautifully.
“To have 1989 BMW Art Car designer Michael Nelson Jagamarra’s artwork included on a Coastline BMW Art Car is a particular coup and pays homage to both the Art Prize and BMW.
“Natalya Hughes’ finalist piece was quintessentially MINI with its colour palette and design while Kent Morris’ piece is the perfect accompaniment for one of our Coastline BMW Motorcycle RnineTs.
“We look forward to continuing the partnership in future years.”
The Sunshine Coast Art Prize vehicles will travel throughout the region until December 11.
The Old Men (Michael Nelson Jagamara) is featured on a BMW X5 SUV.
Gestural Body Painting (Natalya Hughes) is featured on the MINI 5 Door Hatch.
Barkindji Blue Sky-Ancestral Connections #1 (Kent Morris) is featured on the BMW RnineT.
Sunshine Coast Art Prize is also proudly supported by Argon Law, De Deyne Family, Caloundra Chamber of Commerce, International Art Services (IAS) and Montville Country Cabins.
