A Celebration of 50 Years of BMW Art Cars at FNB Art Joburg 2025
Following the success of BMW Art Generation Vol. III at NIROX on 30 August, BMW Group South Africa is proud to continue its cultural journey as the Official Vehicle Partner of FNB Art Joburg 2025, taking place from 4–7 September at the Sandton Convention Centre. This partnership highlights BMW’s five-decade-long commitment to the arts, underpinned by the world-renowned BMW Art Car Collection.
50 Years of BMW Art Cars
Since its inception in 1975, the BMW Art Car Collection has brought together some of the world’s most acclaimed artists to reimagine mobility through creativity. Visionaries like Frank Stella, Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol, Robert Rauschenberg, David Hockney, Jenny Holzer, Ólafur Elíasson, and Esther Mahlangu have transformed BMW models into rolling works of art.
A landmark moment came in 1991, when Esther Mahlangu became the first African artist — and the first woman — to design a BMW Art Car. Her design fused African heritage with modern automotive design, leaving a cultural legacy that continues to inspire.
This anniversary also coincides with the 50th anniversary of the BMW 3 Series, underscoring BMW’s enduring tradition of craftsmanship, design, and cultural expression.
An Immersive Experience at FNB Art Joburg
At FNB Art Joburg 2025, BMW’s booth will serve as an immersive storytelling hub, transporting visitors through five decades of art, design, and innovation. This Johannesburg showcase forms part of the global BMW Art Car World Tour, which spans five continents and runs into 2026.
At the heart of the installation are large-format works by acclaimed automotive photographer René Staud, whose lens has captured the BMW Art Car Collection with light, motion, and poetry. His photographs trace the journey from Alexander Calder’s 1975 BMW 3.0 CSL — the very first Art Car — to the latest creation, the 20th BMW Art Car by Julie Mehretu (BMW M Hybrid V8).
Among the highlights on display are photographs of:
- Roy Lichtenstein / BMW 320 Group 5
- Andy Warhol / BMW M1 Group 4
- Ernst Fuchs / BMW 635 CSi
- Michael Jagamara Nelson / BMW M3 Group A
- César Manrique / BMW 730i
Together, these works form a gallery of speed, vision, and artistry, presenting cars not just as machines, but as canvases of cultural expression.
Beyond the Cars: Cultural Depth
Alongside the photographic showcase, BMW will present the BMW Art Guide and Jonathan Ball’s To Paint is in My Heart, a richly illustrated biography of Esther Mahlangu, inviting visitors to explore the personal stories behind the art.
Taz Ramphisa, General Manager: Customer and Brand, BMW South Africa, states:
“BMW is celebrating 50 years of the iconic BMW Art Car Collection in 2025, underscoring our longstanding commitment to merging art, design, and innovation. Through initiatives such as BMW Art Generation, BMW Young Collectors Co., and Zeitz MOCCA collaborations, we continue to support the future of African art while honouring our legacy.”
Premium Guest Experiences
As the Official Vehicle Partner, BMW will provide chauffeur-driven services for VIP guests, showcasing the hallmark BMW experience of precision, comfort, and mobility.
Join BMW at FNB Art Joburg
BMW invites art lovers, collectors, and cultural innovators to celebrate this milestone where art meets mobility. Visitors can experience this unique journey at the Sandton Convention Centre from 4–7 September 2025.
Event Details
- VIP Opening: 4 September 2025
- Public Days: 5–7 September 2025
- Venue: Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg
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