BMW I5 Flow NOSTOKANA: A Fusion Of Art And Advanced Car Technology

At this year's Frieze Los Angeles art fair, an extraordinary fusion of art and technology was unveiled by the BMW Group, in collaboration with the renowned South African artist Esther Mahlangu. This unique creation, the BMW i5 Flow NOSTOKANA, not only pays homage to Mahlangu's iconic 1991 BMW Art Car but also introduces groundbreaking color-change technology that brings a new dimension to the concept of automotive design as a form of artistic expression.

The BMW i5 Flow NOSTOKANA, named in honor of Mahlangu's first son, stands as a testament to the symbiotic relationship between tradition and innovation. The vehicle's design incorporates electronically-animated film developed in collaboration with E Ink, enabling it to display shimmering, color-shifting patterns across its body and wheels. This technology mirrors the dynamic essence of Mahlangu's artwork, transforming the fully-electric sedan into a moving canvas that blends historical artistry with contemporary technological advancements.

Stella Clarke, Research Engineer Open Innovations at the BMW Group, shared her inspiration drawn from Mahlangu's art, stating, 'Her art inspired me years ago, back when the concept of color change on a car was just an idea in my head. Now, being able to realize this idea, and work with Esther Mahlangu, is absolutely surreal.'

The BMW i5 Flow NOSTOKANA's visual appeal is complemented by a specially composed soundscape by Renzo Vitale, BMW Group's Creative Director, Sound. This auditory component enriches the vehicle's artistic presentation, incorporating elements from South African Ndebele culture, Mahlangu's voice, and the sound of her feather brushes, thereby continuing the dialogue between cultural heritage and modern technology.

The advancement of BMW's color-changing technology is evident in this latest project. It follows the unveiling of the BMW iX Flow in 2022, which introduced the ability to switch between white and black. The BMW i5 Flow NOSTOKANA marks a significant leap forward, with 1,349 laser-cut sections of film that can display a more extensive palette of colors and patterns, bringing Mahlangu's vibrant artwork to life in an ever-shifting display.

Adrian van Hooydonk, head of BMW Group Design, remarked on the significance of the BMW i5 Flow NOSTOKANA, stating, 'The BMW i5 Flow NOSTOKANA honors the history of the BMW brand and continues the story of our global cultural engagement in a unique way. It combines art and design through progressive technology. Here, technology itself becomes art.'

While the BMW i5 Flow NOSTOKANA currently remains a one-of-a-kind piece, its creation hints at the potential for broader application of this innovative technology in series production. It stands as a vibrant testament to the ongoing evolution of automotive design, where vehicles surpass their traditional role and emerge as dynamic platforms for artistic expression and cultural dialogue.