The Revolutionary BMW i5 Flow Nostokana: A Dynamic Art Installation on Wheels

Introduction

BMW has taken the concept of E Ink technology to new heights with the unveiling of the 2024 BMW i5 Flow Nostokana. What started as a mere gimmick has now evolved into a groundbreaking innovation that allows vehicles to not only change color but also serve as dynamic art installations.

The Inspiration

Inspired by the iconic E34-generation 1991 BMW 525i Art Car, created by Esther Mahlangu, the first woman and African artist to contribute to the series, the new i5 Flow Nostokana emerges as a masterpiece with a design as dynamic as the canvas upon which it is painted.

The Collaboration

Mahlangu collaborated in the creation of the new i5 art car, which features a color-shifting exterior achieved through 1,349 sections of E Ink film meticulously laser-cut and individually controlled.

The Technological Marvel

BMW stands alone in its ability to handle the complex curved surfaces of a vehicle exterior and create animations with E Ink technology. The i5 Flow Nostokana boasts strips along the side and across the hood, roof, and trunk that contain millions of microcapsules capable of changing color with an electric current.

The Future Possibilities

While the i5 Flow Nostokana remains a one-off creation, BMW’s robust E Ink technology opens up possibilities for applying color-changing designs to production vehicles in the future.

The Artistic Display

Accompanying the car is a unique soundscape created by composer Renzo Vitale, featuring elements from Mahlangu’s paintings and the sound of BMW designers at work. The i5 Flow Nostokana will be showcased at the Frieze Los Angeles starting February 29.

Conclusion

The BMW i5 Flow Nostokana represents a fusion of art, design, and technology, where innovation itself becomes a form of art. This groundbreaking creation showcases BMW’s commitment to pushing boundaries and redefining automotive aesthetics.