A convertible Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport was decorated with the mathematical formula for its horsepower by renowned French artist Bernar Venet. Bernar Venet is a French artist based in New York and one of the most influential contemporary sculptors of this time. During the summer of 2011, Venet unveiled his monumental sculptures in a solo exhibition at the Château de Versailles in France, becoming one of only five contemporary artists to be given the honor.
Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport by Artist Bernar Venet
above: The decorated Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport in front of sculptures by Bernar Venet
Perhaps I was asleep at the wheel (pardon the pun) when news of this special artist edition Bugatti hit the scene because it’s not a new story, but one that I had missed. In 2012, the sculptor who is known for his mathematical formula paintings and his large metal sculptures, paid tribute to the science that makes the production of the Bugatti Veyron possible.
He applied a film that showcases the mathematical formula that was used by the makers of the supercar to generate its 1,200 PS (that’s 1,200 metric horsepower (883 kW; 1,184 bhp). Both the exterior and interior of the partially open-top car spotlight the math formula.
Mathematical paintings by Venet at the Art Plural Gallery:
Venet’s oversized outdoor metal sculptures have been likened to those by artist Richard Serra:
Bernar poses with his decorated Bugatti and one of his paintings:
The special one of a kind edition of the Veyron created by Venet has a two-tone theme that stretches to the interior cabin and the wheels:
Below are some variations of Venet’s ‘indeterminate line’ pieces. Echoes of this circular scribble are found inside the Bugatti and on its gas cap.
above: the interior features the artist’s signature and a representation of his circular scribble/indeterminate line seen in paintings and sculptural works 
above: another representation of his circular scribble/indeterminate line adorns the gas cap
According to the French artist, the Bugatti Veyron is an artwork itself that brings the driver and the one seeing it pass by into another dimension. He attempts to transform all the science treatises and mathematical computations that were used to produce the car into a three-dimensional object.
He still followed his philosophy of creating works of art that are self-referential. Working with the Veyron was new challenge when looking at its implementation and the collaboration, shared the artist.
above: The decorated Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport amongst works by Bernar Venet
The artsy Grand Sport debuted with the Rubell Family Collection at Art Basel Miami Beach in 2012. As of Spring 2013, the car was for sale (price unknown). I have yet to find whether or not it has sold.
Bugatti
Bernar Venet
