MotoringFile » Archive » MINI Launches the Book “Wash Me”

MINI Launches the Book “Wash Me”

Official Release: It’s always tempting to write “Wash Me” on a dirty car or to draw something on a fogged windscreen with your finger. Everyday situations like this were the inspiration for this publication, says Nico Ammann, art director and photographer of the works featured in the book to be published by MINI Switzerland in a limited edition of 2,000.

The upshot is a colourful volume depicting a wide range of subjects, and one that will appeal not only to MINI fans. The common thread is that none of the ten artists has ever before worked with the automobile as a medium, and each has transformed it into a transient work of art.

The following artists and authors contributed to the book project: Smash137, Fabian Bertschinger, Marisa Pichler and Gigi Burn, Tika, Euro, Aurèle Sack, Stefan Ege and Seak, August, Rémi Jaccard and, last but not least Dieter Meier, also famous as the singer in the band Yello.

Designer Alfredo Häberli provided two sketches and an article. The author and journalist Michèle Roten and Prof. Dr. Jacqueline Otten, director of the design department at Zurich University of the Arts, likewise made creative written contributions to the book, which will be out in early November.

Art always was, and remains, a key aspect of the MINI brand. MINI is, for example, the exclusive partner of the “Ludlow 38” exhibition space at the Goethe-Institut in New York, located in the heart of the thriving gallery district in the Lower East Side, near Chinatown and not far from the New Museum of Contemporary Art. Since its inauguration in 2008, this gallery space has presented contemporary artistic projects in collaboration with various cultural partners in Germany. Through its partnership with brands such as Bisazza and its involvement with FIAC 2007 or the International Talent Support / MINI International Photo Award in Trieste, MINI also remains true to its traditional involvement with unconventional cultural projects. Reason enough to welcome the launch of a vibrant photo book that is bound to delight MINI fans as well as design, art and photographic enthusiasts. For further information on the book please go to www.washme.ch.

hardingsan Nov 5th, 2009 Link

that last shot looks like a perfected version of the krink mini.

Mk1 Nov 5th, 2009 Link

Nice. Shows much more talent than the “Krink”‘d MINI. Like these unusual coffee-table artist’s books. Some how reminds me of a set of them: “Why Cats Paint” and it’s companion book “Why Paint Cats”. :-)

DUDE! Nov 5th, 2009 Link

Fun stuff. I’m always amazed at the lack of comments when it comes to this type of post?

RJ Nov 5th, 2009 Link

Lack of comments may be due to the fact that while amusing, no one really cares.

Admission: I am not an artist, cannot appreciate art, but find these pictures ummm interesting.

Thought: Maybe MINI is bolstering its sales figures by giving these MINIs away as blank canvas material to artists.

b- Nov 5th, 2009 Link

How ironic. The MINI fans who would shell out money for this book have rarely let dirt collect on their MINI while people with the most dirty cars would never think to spend a dime on something like this.

Great looking preview though. I love the last one.

Michael Green Nov 5th, 2009 Link

As an artist and a Miniac, this rocks the house!! Second to last is my favorite.

DUDE! Nov 5th, 2009 Link

@RJ… Sad that you may be right. Seems it’s more fun to be obnoxious and spew mean thoughts than be positive and enjoy what art gives us.

Matthew Nov 5th, 2009 Link

I mentioned the Wash Me project in my comments yesterday (still awaiting moderation approval). I definitely find this more interesting than the KRINK project. Find “making of” Wash Me photos on Flickr. Great stuff.

alpinamike Nov 5th, 2009 Link

I think its funny that MINI has been really focused on BMW’s art cars influence. But I guess one can argue MINI or Mini has always been a fashion icon. Nice Pics.

MotoringFile » Archive » MINI Wash Me Video Nov 5th, 2009 Link

[...] Yesterday we told you about Wash Me, MINI’s latest book all about car art inspired by a dirty car. Today you can see it come to life in video form. [...]

Christian L. Nov 6th, 2009 Link

I like them all!

James Irmiger Nov 6th, 2009 Link

Now THIS I like! Kudos, MINI, you’ve done well.

Ric Nov 8th, 2009 Link

Is this book going to be available in English?

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MINI Launches the Book “Wash Me”

Sections: Official News Nov 5th, 2009 13 Comments

Written By: MF Staff