The BMW iX Inspires Artists To Envision Creative Sustainable Future

* Artist Faiza Hasan’s design for BMW iX will be shown at India Art Fair.

The Future is Born of Art’ is a unique initiative by BMW India and India Art Fair which aims to propel emerging Indian artists and further BMW Group’s commitment to promote art, sustainability, and innovation.

As part of the initiative, the first all-electric BMW iX served as a canvas for artists and inspired them to reflect on the philosophy of ‘Sustainable Circularity’ — a vision of a world with responsible and efficient use of resources. Four selected artists were asked to submit proposals reflecting their unique interpretations of the theme. Artist Faiza Hasan’s work stood out and was appreciated by jury and public alike. Her winning design will be reflected on the BMW iX as a car wrap and shown at the India Art Fair taking place in New Delhi from 28 April – 01 May 2022.

The design by artist Faiza Hasan represents a coming together of people of all kinds against the backdrop of a common sky. For the artist who likes to explore the relationship between self and society, sustainability is about connectedness. Along with the drawings of real people in our community, she uses Urdu words—‘suno’ meaning ‘listen’, ‘tasawur’ meaning ‘to imagine’, ‘umeed’ meaning ‘hope’, ‘nigehbaan’ meaning ‘to safeguard’—reminding us to pay attention to the voices that can help shape our collective future.

Mr. Vikram Pawah, President, BMW Group India said, “Creativity is at the heart of everything we do. For over 50 years, BMW has supported various cultural initiatives around the globe, and is proud to partner with India Art Fair to create an engaging ‘The Future is Born of Art’ platform for emerging artists in India. The first all-electric BMW iX is a perfect intersection of futuristic design and sustainability that serves as an inspiration to all. I congratulate Faiza Hasan for her work and hope that such initiatives empower many more young Indian artists in imagining a sustainable world.”

Jaya Asokan, Fair Director, India Art Fair said, “The future begins in imagination, and we are proud to introduce this new commission that centres artists and their vision of a shared, sustainable future. Our partnership with BMW India is truly one of a kind, and we’re thrilled to celebrate creativity in all its glory at the upcoming India Art Fair this April.”

The jury members included eminent stalwarts from the Indian art fraternity - Bose Krishnamachari, Founding President of the Kochi Biennale Foundation, Sonal Singh, Managing Director of Christie’s India, Alex Kuruvilla, Managing Director of Condé Nast India, and Jaya Asokan, Fair Director at India Art Fair. Indian artists representing a diversity of practices and perspectives were shortlisted for the ’The Future is Born of Art’ initiative, including Faiza Hasan, Farah Mulla, Latheesh Lakshman and Visakh Menon. The selection criteria included the strength of the artist’s vision, narrative style, their exploration of the theme, and the potential of the design proposal as a car wrap.

The all-electric BMW iX.

Born Electric: The BMW iX is the BMW Group’s new technology flagship. It is the first BMW without any numerals in its designation. ‘iX’ stands for the first BMW electric all-wheel drive vehicle (SAV – Sports Activity Vehicle). It effortlessly combines premium mobility with zero-emissions, sporting agility and a long operating range with luxurious spaciousness. Characterised by sculptural and monolithic design, the iX represents a new face that makes mobility easier and comfortable while creating powerful presence and dynamics rarely seen in a vehicle.

About BMW Group’s commitment to culture.

For 15 years now, the BMW Group India has initiated and been engaged in many leading cultural programs. The focus of its long-term commitment is set on modern and contemporary art, music, as well as architecture and design. The BMW Group guarantees absolute creative freedom – as this is just as essential for groundbreaking artistic work as it is for major innovations in a successful business. In 2007, two BMW Art Cars embellished by world renowned artists Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein were presented at the Jehangir Art Gallery in Mumbai. BMW Art Car by Andy Warhol, Jeff Koons, Sandro Chia and Cesar Manrique have been exclusively showcased at various editions of the India Art Fair. In 2012-13, the innovative BMW Guggenheim Lab came to India. Since 2012, BMW has partnered with Kochi-Muziris Biennale, the contemporary art fair, which brings international artists to India and creates a global platform for Indian artists.

About India Art Fair.

India Art Fair is the leading platform to discover modern and contemporary art from South Asia, offering a unique access point to the region’s thriving cultural scene.

Taking place annually in India’s capital, New Delhi, the fair reflects the city’s fast-developing local arts scene, while offering curated insights into the cultural landscapes of neighbouring countries. The fair’s programme - which draws together galleries and artists, private foundations and arts charities, artists’ collectives, national institutions, cultural events and festivals - enables international audiences to engage in innovative ways with the cultural history and development of the region.

The fair is committed to supporting arts education and professional development opportunities, recognising the crucial need to support the development of the local arts scene, and providing dedicated exhibition space to emerging galleries and arts organisations. Around the year, the fair aims to run an extensive programme of events, including education initiatives, artist commissions and pop-up programmes, aiming to increase audiences for the arts within India.

India Art Fair is owned by Angus Montgomery Arts, a division of Angus Montgomery Ltd. The 13th edition of the fair will take place at the NSIC Grounds, Okhla, New Delhi from 28 April to 1 May 2022.