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PUMA Revs Up Style with Alexander Calder’s BMW Art Car Capsule

This new collection reimagines the bold colors and forms of Alexander Calder’s legendary 1975 BMW 3.0 CSL

Por: Rubén Carrillo June 10, 2024

PUMA Revs Up Style with Alexander Calder's BMW Art Car Capsule / Photo via PUMA

Following the success of their Roy Lichtenstein-inspired capsule, PUMA and BMW M Motorsport shift gears, celebrating another iconic artist – Alexander Calder.

Launched in 2023, the PUMA and BMW M Motorsport partnership pays homage to the famed Art Car project.

This project, which has seen race cars transformed into rolling works of art by artists like Andy Warhol, Jeff Koons, and Julie Mehretu, finds a new chapter with Calder.

Notably, Calder’s 1975 BMW 3.0 CSL creation holds a special place in history, being the very first Art Car, blurring the lines between racing and artistic expression.

PUMA takes inspiration from Calder’s original design, translating it into a collection of apparel and footwear.

The capsule features a matching bowling shirt and shorts set, replicating the car’s bold color blocking in red, blue, and yellow. The iconic “93” car number is also incorporated into the print.

For a more subtle nod to the Art Car, the collection offers crisp white T-shirts featuring an illustration of the vehicle alongside branded elements. Rounding out the capsule is a reimagined PUMA Suede sneaker.

The classic silhouette gets a vibrant makeover in red, with the signature Formstrip replaced by a yellow panel showcasing the “93” motif.

Alexander Calder: A Sculpting Pioneer

Alexander Calder (1898-1976) was a revolutionary American sculptor who rose to international fame for his innovative mobiles – kinetic sculptures suspended in air and balanced to move with air currents.

However, his artistic journey extended far beyond these mesmerizing creations.

Born in Pennsylvania, Calder’s artistic path wasn’t linear. He initially studied mechanical engineering, which undoubtedly influenced his fascination with movement and balance.

After a stint working as a draftsman and attending art school, he embarked on artistic explorations in Europe. There, he embraced the burgeoning abstract art movements and experimented with various mediums like painting, sculpture, and jewelry design.

Calder’s breakthrough came in the 1920s when he began creating miniature circuses, using wire and sheet metal to depict performers and animals. These playful constructions eventually evolved into his signature mobiles.

Initially powered by motors, he later transitioned to using air currents, creating a sense of weightlessness and continuous, graceful movement.

Beyond Mobiles: A Versatile Artist

While mobiles remain his most celebrated works, Calder wasn’t a one-trick pony. He actively explored other forms of sculpture, creating large-scale, stabile sculptures (stationary mobiles) often commissioned for public spaces.

Additionally, he experimented with painting, creating abstract works that echoed the dynamic energy of his mobiles.

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PUMA Revs Up Style with Alexander Calder’s BMW Art Car Capsule

Alexander Calder: A Sculpting Pioneer

Beyond Mobiles: A Versatile Artist

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Alexander Calder: A Sculpting Pioneer

Beyond Mobiles: A Versatile Artist

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