BMW Unveils I5 Flow Nostokana With Esther Mahlangu’s Ndbele Designs At Frieze Los Angeles

This masterpiece is the result of the creative genius of Esther Mahlangu, a renowned South African artist known for her mastery of Ndbele designs, hailing from the regions of Limpopo and Mpumalanga.

The Artist Behind the Art

Esther Mahlangu, born in 1936, is celebrated globally for her vibrant and intricate Ndbele designs. Her collaboration with BMW marks a significant milestone, as she became the first African and female artist to design a BMW art car back in 1991.

For the BMW i5 Flow Nostokana project, Mahlangu named the creation after her firstborn son, integrating personal significance with artistic expression. Her partnership with Stella Clarke, a research engineer at BMW, brought this innovative concept to life, blending traditional art with cutting-edge technology.

Innovative Design Meets Technology

The BMW i5 Flow Nostokana is not just a car; it’s a canvas that showcases the fusion of traditional art and modern technology. Equipped with 1,349 sections of film, each capable of individual control, the vehicle uses E Ink technology to bring the vibrant, colorful panels to life.

This technology, based on electrophoresis, allows for the manipulation of color particles by applying an electric voltage, presenting a dynamic and visually captivating display unlike anything seen on a BMW before.

A Symphony of Sound and Color

Accompanying the visual spectacle of the BMW i5 Flow Nostokana is a custom soundtrack that incorporates elements of Mahlangu’s artistic process, including her voice, the sound of her feather brushes, and the scribble of color pencils.

Crafted by BMW Group’s Creative Director of Sound, Renzo Vitale, the soundtrack enhances the overall experience, growing in intensity alongside the vividness of the colors. This unique blend of sound and visual artistry underscores BMW’s commitment to innovation and cultural appreciation.

DriveSpark Thinks

The BMW i5 Flow Nostokana represents a significant achievement in integrating international artwork with automotive technology. This project, along with similar initiatives from other car manufacturers, hints at a promising future for color-changing technology in the automotive industry.

BMW’s dedication to blending cultural heritage with technological advancements not only sets it apart but also paves the way for more exciting collaborations and innovations in the future.

BMW’s unveiling of the i5 Flow Nostokana at Frieze Los Angeles is a testament to the brand’s commitment to innovation, art, and cultural appreciation. By combining Esther Mahlangu’s iconic Ndbele designs with state-of-the-art technology, BMW has created a masterpiece that surpasses the traditional boundaries of automotive design.