Kia Motors has once again stormed Milan Design Week, this time with a double-pronged assault on the senses and expectations—simultaneously enlightening the masses about its cutting-edge design philosophy and flaunting its sexiest PBV and EV creations in a whirlwind of arty pizzazz and futuristic fervor. The brand’s latest exhibition duo—“Opposites United: Eclipse of Perceptions” and “Transcend Journey”—show Kia’s penchant for merging high art with high-end mobility, all while flexing its PR muscles harder than a bodybuilder at a protein shake convention.
First up, “Eclipse of Perceptions” transforms the Museo della Permanente into a playground of sensory escapades, where sculptures, sound, and light fuse into a cocoon of aesthetic introspection. Kia has roped in visionary artists like Philippe Parreno and A.A. Murakami to interpret its oh-so-profound “Opposites United” philosophy, which is basically about smashing together things that don’t seem like they should fit—like peanut butter and pickles, but make it chic. Spread across multiple rooms, this extravaganza promises to make you question the boundaries of creativity—or at least whether that LED-lit sculpture can double as a coffee table.
Then there’s “Transcend Journey,” a sleek, exclusive installation (because art is cooler when it’s exclusive, obviously) that’s all about showcasing Kia’s transformative power in the mobility game. Set against the backdrop of Milan’s Eastend Studios, this exhibit explores the evolution of Kia’s PBV and EV models in a way that somehow bridges urban living with outdoor adventures. Fancy a car that caters to coffee aficionados and outdoor Instagram warriors? Kia’s got you covered. A twisting sculpture anchors the room, channeling the harmonious marriage of contradictions, while collaborations with South Korean outdoor and coffee brands add an artisanal flair sure to make your morning commute feel like a spiritual journey.
This is Kia’s third consecutive year stealing the Milanese limelight. In 2023, the automaker dazzled us with media art installations inspired by nature’s contrasts, while the 2024 vibes leaned into boundless creativity. With “Eclipse of Perceptions” and “Transcend Journey,” Kia seems determined to keep evolving its narrative of art, innovation, and mobility—always staying juuust edgy enough to appear daring but still grounded in the very real goal of selling some seriously cool cars.
So, whether you walk away from these exhibitions pondering life’s deepest juxtapositions or just snapping selfies with that mind-bending sculpture, one thing’s for sure: Kia has stamped its name on Milan Design Week 2025 in bold, neon letters that scream, “We’re not just about the cars, people. We’re about the vibes.”
