Munich/Hong Kong. On the occasion of Art Basel Hong Kong 2024, BMW and Alex Israel will present REMEMBR, an AI-powered, participatory and interactive video installation that guides visitors on a journey through time and memory in a captivating fusion of art and technology. The engaging installation will celebrate its debut in Asia and revolves around the all- electric BMW i7 and its innovative in-car experience features. REMEMBR will be exhibited from March 28 to 30, 2024, at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). As Global Partner of Art Basel, BMW will once again provide the VIP car service at the show.
Alex Israel is an esteemed contemporary artist based in Los Angeles, known for his innovative and thought-provoking work that often explores the intersection of popular culture, art and technology. His body of work, which includes paintings, sculpture and mixed-media installations, frequently draws inspiration from the vibrant culture and iconic imagery of his hometown. Israel’s unique artistic perspective allows him to capture the zeitgeist of modern life in a way that is both insightful and engaging. REMEMBR, which evolved in collaboration with BMW using the BMW i5 as a pivotal inspiration, premiered at Art Basel Miami Beach in 2023. For the Asian debut in Hong Kong, it will be further developed and centred around the all-electric BMW i7. The video installation showcases Israel’s commitment to exploring the boundaries of what art can be in the digital age.
“For more than 50 years, BMW has collaborated with some of the most creative and inspiring artists in the world – while promoting the creative spirit that drives our brand forward and inspires us all,” says Raymond Tan, Managing Director, BMW Group Importer Region Hong Kong Macau and Taiwan. “We’re thrilled to collaborate with Alex Israel on this project and to celebrate the Asia premiere together with the all-electric BMW i7 at Art Basel Hong Kong.”
Israel worked closely with BMW to develop AI technology that will collect, filter, compose and choreograph the visitor’s phone’s camera content. In an immersive installation across seven custom-designed screens, guests are invited to discover the hyper-memories of Alex Israel and, equally, share their own.
“Working on REMEMBR with BMW has been an incredible learning experience. After the premiere of REMEMBR at Art Basel Miami Beach, I had the opportunity to further develop my initial concept on the basis of the BMW i7,” said Alex Israel. “I often say that my real studio is my car. I get most of my ideas while I’m driving. I experience it as a very inspiring process: it brings back countless memories, sparks my imagination, and helps me to generate new memories and new ideas. The i7, with its AI technology and the My Modes feature, resonated for me as a milestone in the evolution of human-machine relationships. This car is an individually tailored capsule, a vessel for traveling through the world, but also through ones own subconscious mind. In a similar vein, our smartphones have evolved from mere communication devices into digital diaries and external hard drives for our memories. REMEMBR aims to revisit and share these memories in an engaging way. I’m excited for visitors to explore it and themselves this March at Art Basel Hong Kong.”
REMEMBR reflects BMW’s commitment to innovation, cutting-edge technology and luxury design, which are key features of the BMW i7. The i7 represents the joy of moving forward as a symbol of integration and an empowering mindset. It represents the emotional spearhead that combines tech magic, comfort, and human-centric design in a fully electric vehicle. The BMW My Modes allow the car to respond to the driver’s mindset with different sensory environments, creating a human-centred approach to the use of technology.
Experience REMEMBR and the all-electric BMW i7:March 28–30, 2024BMW Lounge at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) – Level 3 Concourse1 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong SAR, China
The BMW Group’s Cultural Engagement, with exclusive updates and deeper insights into its global initiatives can be followed on Instagram at @BMWGroupCulture.