The Petersen Automotive Museum has unveiled its final “Cars Are Beautiful” exhibit, hosted in the prestigious Armand Hammer Foundation Gallery. This exhibit is a spectacular fusion of contemporary automotive art and interactive experiences, featuring the imaginative works of French-born, Los Angeles-based artist Thierry Guetta, known as Mr. Brainwash.
Through this exhibit, visitors are treated to a vibrant display of creativity, where iconic cars are reimagined through bold colors, surreal transformations, and hands-on installations. This article delves into the most captivating pieces showcased in the exhibit.
About the Artist: Mr. Brainwash and His Creative Vision
Thierry Guetta, better known as Mr. Brainwash, is an artist renowned for his playful and thought-provoking street art. His work often incorporates pop culture elements, bright color schemes, and a sense of humor that makes his pieces both engaging and memorable.
For this exhibit, Mr. Brainwash has crafted an immersive experience that celebrates the automobile as more than just a machine—it is a cultural icon, a source of nostalgia, and an endless inspiration for artistic expression.
Highlight Pieces in the Exhibit
Brainwashed: A Life-Sized Matchbox Fiat 500
One of the most eye-catching pieces in the exhibit is “Brainwashed,” a life-sized version of a Matchbox Fiat 500. Designed as an interactive installation, this piece invites visitors to step into a giant toy car, evoking childhood memories while offering a fantastic photo opportunity.
Furry Fiat: A Soft and Tactile Experience
“Furry Fiat” transforms a classic Fiat 500 by covering it in pink faux fur, making it not just a visual treat but also a sensory experience. This whimsical approach to automotive art challenges the traditional perception of cars as rigid and mechanical.
Dream Car: The Ultimate Luxury Hybrid
This sculpture merges four luxury brands—Mercedes-Benz, Lamborghini, Porsche, and Ferrari—into a single, harmonious vehicle. Each section of the sculpture represents a different brand, blending the signature design elements of each into one seamless, dreamlike automobile.
Rubik’s: A Giant Puzzle of Miniature Cars
Imagine a Rubik’s Cube where each segment is a tiny car. “Rubik’s” is exactly that—a massive, colorful structure filled with an array of miniature automobiles. This playful installation pays homage to the puzzle-solving nature of both art and engineering.
Time Machine: A Mini Cooper Surrounded by Books
This unique installation wraps a Mini Cooper in a towering stack of books, symbolizing the connection between cars and storytelling. Whether it’s road trips, adventure novels, or history books, the piece celebrates the role of vehicles in shaping personal and cultural narratives.
Childhood Dream: A Van Gogh-Inspired Bedroom
Inspired by Vincent van Gogh’s famous painting “Bedroom in Arles,” this installation recreates a dreamlike bedroom space. Every element is exaggerated and painted in Van Gogh’s signature swirling style, immersing visitors in a surreal automotive dream.
The Thinkcar: A Thought-Provoking Sculpture
“The Thinkcar” reinterprets Auguste Rodin’s classic sculpture “The Thinker” by adding automotive elements to its design. This piece represents the contemplation of modern transportation and its impact on society.
Big Little Car: A Giant Nostalgic Toy
Remember the classic red and yellow Little Tikes toy car from childhood? Mr. Brainwash has recreated it on a massive scale—10 feet tall—bringing a sense of nostalgia and fun to the exhibit.
Tired Victory: A Monumental Reimagination
This work is a reinterpretation of the ancient Greek sculpture “Winged Victory of Samothrace.” Using real tires, Mr. Brainwash infuses this classic masterpiece with a modern, automotive twist, symbolizing triumph in the world of transportation.
Conclusion: A Must-See Exhibit for Art and Car Enthusiasts
The “Cars Are Beautiful” exhibit at the Petersen Automotive Museum is a celebration of creativity, nostalgia, and automotive history. By blending elements of contemporary street art with the timeless appeal of classic cars, Mr. Brainwash has crafted an experience that is both visually stunning and deeply thought-provoking.
Whether you are a car enthusiast, an art lover, or someone simply looking for an engaging cultural experience, this exhibit is not to be missed. It redefines the boundaries of what automotive art can be and invites visitors to see cars in a whole new light.
