London/Munich. From October 15 to 19, Frieze London
and Frieze Masters will return to London’s Regent’s Park. As one of
Frieze’s long-standing global partners since 2004, BMW honours the
artistic work of David Hockney as part of the BMW Art Car World Tour
and provides VIP shuttle service. Frieze London takes its place on the
global stage as part of the ever-expanding BMW Art Car World Tour, a
journey that will span continents and continue well into 2026. Marking
the 50th anniversary of this iconic series, the tour brings together a
constellation of exhibitions across five continents, enriched by a
vibrant array of events.
The iconic Art Car #14, designed by David Hockney 30 years ago, will
be on display in The Lobby of The Peninsula London from October 14 to
November 3. During the “Peninsula Classic Car Afternoon Tea” which
runs through November 18 there will be a special opportunity to engage
with Hockney’s Art Car: BMW representatives will dive deep into the
origins and lead through the journey of Hockney’s Art Car design on
October 14 and 15. Sculptural culinary delights will be served to
bring together the British tea tradition and the BMW Art Cars’ golden
jubilee. The final days of the exhibition coincide with RM Sotheby’s
Classic Car auction presented in partnership with the Royal Automobile
Club which brings a selection of significant automobiles– from
historic treasures to modern collectibles – to The Peninsula.
David Hockney’s BMW 850CSi puts a new spin on the
traditional idea of a car’s paintwork by effectively turning the car
inside out. “I thought it would be a good idea to show the car as if
one could see inside,” he said. Like an X-ray, Hockney’s design
reveals the anatomy of the car and its occupants: the door sports an
outline of the driver, and Hockney’s loyal dachshund, Stanley, can be
seen sitting on the back seat, referencing the artist’s love of his
dogs. Stylised engine components are depicted on the bonnet, while
expanses of green sweep across the body – a visual metaphor for the
passing scenery, movement, and time. Hockney’s visual language melds
the car’s interior and the outside world to create a new and unusual
perspective on motoring.
Born in Bradford, England, in 1937, David Hockney
has been one of the most flamboyant and influential protagonists on
the international art scene since the early 1960s. He graduated from
the Royal College of Art in 1962 and soon joined the exclusive circles
of Swinging Sixties London. He established his style as his very own
form of international Pop Art and achieved great popularity with it.
His works – among them iconic images depicting swimming pools and
Californian landscapes – illustrate his lifelong fascination with
light, colour, and the relationship between perspective and movement.
David Hockney’s Art Car was intended solely as an exhibition piece and
has never been driven on the road or in a race.
The BMW Art Car World Tour charts an ambitious course, with stops at
prestigious destinations such as Art Basel Hong Kong, the Le Mans
Classic in France, Belgium’s Zoute Grand Prix, the Shanghai Motor Show
in China, and Italy’s Concorso d’Eleganza, among others. Showcasing
the collection of 20 iconic BMW Art Cars, the tour serves as a
testament to the company’s deep-rooted commitment to global cultural
engagement – spanning more than a hundred initiatives across
contemporary art, music, film, and design. Follow the journey here.
BMW Art Car #14 by David Hockney
October
14-November 3
The Peninsula London,
1 Grosvenor
Pl,
London SW1X 7HJ,
United Kingdom
The Peninsula London Classic Car Afternoon Tea is offered daily until
November 18 from 1.00 – 6.30pm reservations can be made here.
Dedicated media slots on October 14 and 15 from 1.00 – 3.00pm can be
requested here.
Capacity is limited, first come first served.
Frieze London Dates
Wednesday, October 15: 11am
– 7pm (invitation only)
Thursday, October 16: 11am – 1pm (Members
and Invitation only preview) 1pm – 5pm General admission
tickets
Friday, October 17: 11am – 7pm
Saturday, October
18: 11am – 7pm
Sunday, October 19: 11am – 6pm
The BMW Group’s Cultural Engagement, with exclusive updates and
deeper insights into its global initiatives can be followed on
Instagram at @BMWGroupCulture.