In 2024, BMW presents the BMW i5 Flow NOSTOKANA at the Frieze Los Angeles art fair, showcasing a unique fusion of art and innovation. This one-of-a-kind vehicle, an evolution of the GS-6 and Revero plug-in hybrids, is designed with groundbreaking color-change technology developed by BMW in collaboration with South African artist Esther Mahlangu. The BMW i5 Flow NOSTOKANA, celebrating its world premiere at the fair opening on February 29, pays tribute to Mahlangu's historic 1991 BMW Art Car.
Esther Mahlangu, known for her Ndebele paintings, designed the 12th BMW Art Car in 1991, making her the first woman and first African artist to do so. The BMW i5 Flow NOSTOKANA draws inspiration from Mahlangu's signature colors and geometric patterns. The innovative Flow technology, incorporating electronically animated film sections, transforms the fully-electric sedan into a dynamic work of art, showcasing Mahlangu's art in constantly changing compositions.
Named after Mahlangu's first son, the BMW i5 Flow NOSTOKANA features sections of film that can be electronically animated, covering the roof, bonnet, rear section, and sides. The Electrophoretic Ink (E Ink) film, similar to an e-book reader, contains millions of microcapsules, allowing changes in color and pattern through the application of an electric voltage.
The vehicle's animations are accompanied by a unique sound, specially composed by Renzo Vitale, the BMW Group's Creative Director, Sound. Vitale combines sounds from Mahlangu's voice, the feather brushes she used for painting, and elements from the BMW brand to create an extraordinary auditory experience.
To capture every detail of Mahlangu's complex ornamentation, the BMW i5 Flow NOSTOKANA is equipped with 1,349 individually controlled sections of film. The color-change technology, developed in-house by the BMW Group in partnership with E Ink, represents a significant leap in development, offering more colors and patterns while maintaining durability.
The BMW i5 Flow NOSTOKANA remains a one-of-a-kind creation, symbolizing a convergence of automotive technology, art, and cultural heritage. This tribute to Esther Mahlangu is presented at the Frieze Los Angeles art fair, showcasing BMW's commitment to global cultural engagement. Additionally, the BMW Art Car that inspired this tribute will be exhibited in South Africa for the first time in over 30 years as part of a retrospective honoring Esther Mahlangu's influential career.
Source & Images: BMW Group
