Julie Mehretu, the Ethiopian-American artist renowned for her dynamic abstract paintings, is currently the focus of a major retrospective at the K21 museum in Düsseldorf. Titled “KAIROS / Hauntological Variations,” this exhibition, running from May 10 to October 12, 2025, showcases nearly 100 works spanning three decades. It offers a comprehensive look at Mehretu’s evolution, from her early urban-inspired line drawings to her recent large-scale paintings that delve into themes of displacement, migration, and political unrest.
But, for us gear heads, the highlight of the exhibition has to be the inclusion of the original maquette of the 20th BMW Art Car, which Mehretu designed in 2024. This piece exemplifies her ability to merge fine art with industrial design, transforming a BMW M Hybrid V8 race car into a “performative painting.” Drawing inspiration from her monumental painting “Everywhen,” Mehretu’s design incorporates digitally altered photographs, dot grids, neon veils, and her signature black markings, creating a sense of movement and energy that aligns with the car’s racing purpose. In regular Art Car fashion, I am drooling over it.
The BMW Art Car series, initiated in 1975, invites renowned artists to reimagine BMW vehicles, blending art and motorsport. Mehretu’s contribution continues this tradition, with her Art Car making its debut at the Centre Pompidou in Paris before competing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June 2024. Despite the challenges of the race, the car’s participation emphasized the fusion of artistic expression and high-performance engineering.
Beyond the exhibition and the Art Car, Mehretu is collaborating with BMW on the African Film and Media Arts Collective (AFMAC), a network aimed at supporting young filmmakers across five African countries. This initiative underscores her commitment to fostering artistic communities and expanding the impact of her work beyond traditional gallery spaces.
“KAIROS / Hauntological Variations” not only celebrates Mehretu’s artistic achievements but also highlights her innovative approach to integrating art with other disciplines. Visitors to the K21 museum can experience the breadth of her work and witness how her unique vision continues to push the boundaries of contemporary art. I don’t think the wife would agree, but I could have this as the centerpiece of my living room right now.
