In 2010, BMW Group France became a major partner of Les Rencontres d’Arles, a renowned photography festival. As a patron for the 14th consecutive year, BMW Group France is providing the festival with a fleet of electrified BMW cars for transportation purposes. This partnership reflects BMW’s commitment to supporting the arts.

A Special Exhibition: INSOLARE by Eva Nielsen and Marianne Derrien

INSOLARE is a unique exhibition created by artist Eva Nielsen and curator Marianne Derrien. The project was developed as part of the BMW ART MAKERS program, which aims to promote innovation in the visual arts. INSOLARE will be showcased for the first time at Les Rencontres d’Arles and later exhibited at Paris Photo in November 2023.

The BMW ART MAKERS Program

The BMW ART MAKERS program, initiated by BMW Group France, supports a duo of artists and curators each year in creating a joint project. The program provides a grant of 10,000 euros to the artist and 8,000 euros to the curator. Additionally, a budget of 15,000 euros is allocated for research, production, and exhibitions of the works. This program highlights BMW’s dedication to fostering creativity and innovation in the field of visual arts.

Promoting Female Talent

BMW is actively involved in promoting female talent in the arts. They have been supporting the Prix de la Photo Madame Figaro Arles, which celebrates the achievements of female photographers, since its inception.

About the INSOLARE Exhibition

The INSOLARE project is an experiment that exemplifies the spirit of the BMW ART MAKERS program. Created by Eva Nielsen and Marianne Derrien, the exhibition explores the concept of time and the transformation of urban and Camargue landscapes. By combining poetic and scientific elements, the artists address the environmental changes that are causing the disappearance of various landscapes where human impact is constantly questioned.

Exploring Geographical and Geological Changes

Artist Eva Nielsen has focused on examining geographical and geological changes, a subject that is often overlooked by female artists. Nielsen has extensively explored the Camargue region, capturing numerous photographs. Through her artwork, which incorporates photography, silk-screening, painting, and printing, she presents a unique perspective and transfiguration of the landscapes. Nielsen’s work reflects her deep understanding of the territory’s architecture and environment.

The Vision of the Curator Marianne Derrien

Curator Marianne Derrien explains that INSOLARE combines optical and hydro-geological phenomena with the technical process of exposure, primarily used in screen-printing. This project captures the essence of both rural and industrial realities, intertwining the experiences of the artists and the diverse territories at the gateway to Arles.

Innovative Scenography for Ecological Conservation

The exhibition’s scenography has been designed with environmental conservation in mind. The use of materials has been minimized, and suspended metal structures have replaced traditional picture rails. These structures will be repurposed for the Paris Photo exhibition in November 2023.

BMW’s Commitment to Climate Neutrality

Maryse Bataillard, Head of Corporate Communications and CSR at BMW Group France, explains that Eva Nielsen and Marianne Derrien’s project aligns perfectly with the BMW ART MAKERS program. BMW Group is proud to present this groundbreaking exhibition in Arles, as it reflects the company’s commitment to working towards carbon neutrality. BMW has also unveiled a concept for a 100% recyclable and recycled car set to be realized by 2040.

The 54th Rencontres d’Arles Exhibition

The INSOLARE exhibition is part of the “Geographies of the Gaze” section of the 54th Rencontres d’Arles. The exhibition explores the reality of climate and ecological challenges, together with other artists who approach these topics from various angles. Eva Nielsen takes the viewers on a sensory journey through the Camargue region, where the past and present intertwine in a unique artistic approach.

BMW Group’s Cultural Engagements

BMW Group has been actively engaged in cultural partnerships worldwide for over 50 years. In addition to supporting Les Rencontres d’Arles, BMW Group has become an official partner of other esteemed events, such as the Cannes Film Festival and Paris + by Art Basel since 2022.

The BMW ART MAKERS 2023 Jury

The BMW ART MAKERS 2023 Jury consisted of influential individuals in the art world. This includes Florence Bourgeois, the Director of Paris Photo; Fabrice Bousteau, Editorial Director of Beaux-Arts Magazine; Hervé Digne, Chairman of Manifesto; Fannie Escoulen, Delegate for Photography at the French Ministry of Culture; Chantal Nedjib, Founder of l’Image par l’image; Christophe Ono-dit-Biot, writer and Deputy Editorial Director of Le Point; Christoph Wiesner, Director of Rencontres d’Arles; and Maryse Bataillard, Head of Corporate Communications and CSR at BMW Group France.