"Eroded" Porsche Models Are Part of a New Art Exhibit

Works of Art

In recent years, an artist named Daniel Arsham has taken to the automotive realm, making waves in the process. His "eroded" style of art is something of a post-apocalyptic take on what might happen to our beloved sports cars in the event that the world does submerge itself into a Mad Max-style scenario, and it's undoubtedly fascinating to look at. Those interested in seeing Arsham's incredible works of art can now do so via the new Arsham Auto Motive exhibit at the Petersen Automotive Museum, too.

Photos: Petersen Automotive Museum

Blue Calcite

This new exhibit will be open to the general public from February 25, through November 26, 2023, following a private reception the day prior. There, fans can get a closer look at Arsham's 930 911, which is is depicted as developing erosions and undergoing a process of crystallization with blue calcite poking through its many holes.

Photos: Petersen Automotive Museum

Fossilized

The idea behind this creation is quite simple - it represents a fictional archaeology where the objects that we own today are unearthed at some point in the future. Created from geological materials such as sand, quartz, and selenite, each of these works of art appear fossilized, as if they had been buried for many years.

Photos: Petersen Automotive Museum

Perfectly Balanced

For Arsham, choosing Porsche as his preferred medium was an easy and natural choice. "I always loved the shape of these cars," he said. "Not only the kind of engineering that goes into the power behind this car but the visual characteristics of it. It looks strong. There’s also a feminine aspect of the design….I've always just loved the balance between those two."

Photos: Petersen Automotive Museum

Japanese Inspired

Arsham's other Porsche on display is a familiar one - this 1955 Porsche 356 Pre-A Speedster that's nicknamed "Bonsai" thanks to its Japanese styling influence. He created this particular piece of rolling art in the vein of wabi-sabi - the Japanese concept of appreciating beauty that is imperfect and impermanent.

Photos: Petersen Automotive Museum

Natural Finish

Arsham spent two years stripping the car down to its bare metal, exposing all of its pit marks, welds, and wear. He then covered it in linseed oil to preserve that finish, and overhauled the interior as well, adding materials made in Japan by craftsmen.

Photos: Petersen Automotive Museum

Mixing Cultures

"Having previously exhibited Keith Haring and Andy Warhol’s work, it is evident that pop culture and the automotive sector make for an exciting, crowd-pleasing combination," said the Petersen's Executive Director, Terry L. Karges. "Daniel Arsham's talent makes a strong case that cars can inspire artistic creations while also serving as art pieces themselves."

Photos: Petersen Automotive Museum

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