The worlds of art and automobiles meet head on this month in a new exhibition called The Road is Your Easel, which combines bespoke pieces of art with works by the likes of Andy Warhol. Here, Mark Spence speaks to Arno Husselmann from Abu Dhabi Motors to find out more.
Arno, the artwork in your showroom is incredible. Tell us more about the exhibition
We have partnered with Opera Gallery Group to transform our flagship Umm Al Nar showroom into a unique art exhibition which will run until December 6, 2012.
Guests will enjoy a unique collection of traditional and contemporary sculpture and art works by internationally renowned artists, including Andy Warhol, Romero Britto, Edouardo Guelfenbein, Ki Soo Kwon and Ali Esmaeilipour.
We have put our own artistic signature on the exhibition by turning a MINI Coupé, BMW 6 Series Gran Coupé and a Rolls-Royce Phantom into individual works of art, by applying creative designs.
Where did the idea come from?
The BMW Group has played an innovative role in the art world for many decades now having initiated and engaged in over 100 cultural cooperations worldwide. We wanted to promote this association while, at the same time, ensuring local relevance. An art exhibition was therefore the perfect opportunity to showcase the brand’s artistic credentials and give people the opportunity to see our new state-of-the-art showroom which was launched earlier this year.
We did our research and quickly discovered that the Opera Gallery Group was the ideal partner. It has years of expertise and a track record of representing a number of great masters as well as emerging talent.
What can people expect to see at the exhibition?
A fusing of art, design and engineering via a unique collection of traditional and contemporary sculpture and art masterpieces.
How long did it take to pull the exhibition together?
It took just over three months to have everything ready for the official opening night. Customers can visit our showroom-come-art gallery throughout the next few weeks and see the unique collection of works
for themselves.
Are the exhibits from all over the world or Abu Dhabi?
All over the world. As mentioned, The Road is Your Easel features traditional and contemporary sculpture and art works by several internationally renowned artists.
Are all the exhibits cars or will there be other works too?
A mixture of sculpture and art masterpieces sit alongside three uniquely designed cars. Namely our MINI Coupé, BMW 6 Series Gran Coupé and Rolls-Royce Phantom which we’ve turned into works of art.
Do you have a personal favourite among any of the pieces?
The dragon made from tires. It is very artistic and very well executed. Being made from rubber it has a close association with the motor industry.
With art taking the spotlight this month thanks to Abu Dhabi Art 2012, we are confident that all the pieces on display will truly capture the imaginations and appeal to the tastes of our discerning customers here in the capital.
Who are the artists involved?
The exhibition is made up of a unique collection of art works from a number of international artists including Andy Warhol, Romero Britto, Edouardo Guelfenbein, Ki Soo Kwon and Ali Esmaeilipour.
How many pieces are there and are they for sale?
There are 47 pieces in total. And all pieces on display are available for purchase upon request.
What is the most elaborate piece of the exhibition?
The Black Horse by Ji Yong Ho. It looks spectacular.
Will there be more exhibitions of this nature in the future?
Absolutely. Given the BMW Group’s credentials within the art world, it would be remiss of us to stop here.
The Road is Your Easel will run until December 6, 2012 and is open Sat-Thu 9am-9pm and Fridays 4pm-9pm. Admission is free.
