An exhibition exploring the artistic and cultural significance of motoring has brought together the worlds of design, engineering and visual art.
Art of Motoring, which took place 28 to 31 October at the Iconic Images Gallery in Piccadilly, examined how cars have influenced art and design, highlighting the ways vehicles have become more than just a means of transport.
The exhibition, curated by Andrew Marriott, also considered the role of virtual design in shaping how cars are perceived both on the road and as inspiration for art.
Marriott, founder of Pit Lane Productions, said: “The original idea followed a lunch between myself and the late Peter Foubister, head of motoring events for the Royal Automobile Club.
“That was 11 years ago and we have run it every year since, including virtually during Covid.
“It has grown, we now have more than 30 artists and is the largest and most prestigious stand-alone motoring art exhibition in the world.”
The exhibition explored the relationship between motoring and creativity, looking at how the shape, style and engineering of cars have influenced artistic expression.
From their distinctive designs to their place in popular culture, vehicles have long inspired artists and designers, which made this exhibition perfect for automotive art enthusiasts as well as average car owners.
Marriott said: “As soon as the first cars were produced and the first races run 130 years ago, artists started painting them mainly for manufacturers.
“Colour photography didn’t exist so the artists could produce eye-catching works for magazines, brochures, advertisements and so on.
“To this day, motoring artists can bring an extra dimension that photographers can’t.”
Motoring has played a significant role in shaping modern visual culture, with cars often being signs of freedom, status and technological development, the exhibition highlighted this by combining statues, paintings and prints by various artists.
For Marriott, bringing the different elements together offered an opportunity to explore motoring from a perspective beyond its mechanical and practical functions.
He said: “I am an engineer originally but I have always collected art.
“I would most like visitors to take away a painting or sculpture from the exhibition that they will probably enjoy for the rest of their life, motoring art is good value compared with similar genres.”
Looking ahead, the exhibition also raised questions about the future of motoring and how changing technology, design and attitudes may influence the next generation of automotive art.
Marriott said: “My favourite part of curating the exhibition is discovering new talent.
“The designs will evolve but there will be less diversity, look at the SUV’s, you can hardly tell them apart.”
The exhibition invited visitors to consider the car not only as an engineering achievement, but also as an object that continues to influence design, culture and everyday life.
Featured Image Credit: Andrew Marriott
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