Basel, Switzerland
Commissioned by BMW AG, British-born artist Es Devlin works on the new BMW iX5 Hydrogen car, makes collages, and other media and design works “discussing and seeking” the potential of hydrogen through art.
The BMW iX5 Hydrogen expresses the mobility of tommorrow combining the advantages of locally emission-free electric drive with the driving pleasure typical of the BMW.
The quick and uncomplicated refuelling process thanks to hydrogen fuel cell technology, providing an additional supplement to battery-electric drive systems.
To elaborate, the powertrain of the vehicle, developed according to the BMW X5, features a combination of fuel cells with an output of 125 kW/170 hp, which uses energy from gaseous hydrogen to drive an electric motor from the BMW Group’s Gen 5 program, together with a specially developed battery.
This generates a maximum system output of 285 kW/401 hp.
The hydrogen tanks can be refuelled within three to four minutes and enable a range of 504 kilometres according to the WLTP test cycle.
Known for her sculptural and multi-sensory installations, Es Devlin gets inspiration from the “The Great Wave off Kanagawa” by Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai and other literature and images that have inspired the artist since her childhood that results to a colorful collage that envelops the new BMW iX5 Hydrogen.
Devlin leverages this technology and the diverse cultural foundations inherent in all her work to create a series of multimedia pieces for BMW.
Overall, the partnership between Es Devlin and the BMW Group for Art Basel 2024 is poised to create a landmark project that exemplifies the power of collaborative creativity in addressing complex global issues.
Project: Surfacing
Designer: Es Devlin Design Limited
Lead Designer: Es Devlin
Client: BMW AG
Photographers: Gary Yeh and Enes Kucevic
