BMW Art CarsMatazo Kayama x BMW 535i

07/12/2021

BMW Art Cars
Matazo Kayama x BMW 535i

Matazo Kayama x BMW 535i

Born in Kyoto, Japan, in 1927, Matazo Kayama studied painting and traditional Japanese arts before exhibiting his works for the first time in 1949.

By integrating contemporary styles into traditional arts, he was soon able to contribute substantially towards achieving a breakthrough of new forms of expression in Japan.

His works include the Indian ink ceiling decoration in the Japanese Kuojoni temple, work with jewellery and metal as well as the interior design of Jumbo jets and luxury cruisers – each being proof of Kayama‟s diverse creative abilities.

When designing the car, it was Matazo Kayama‟s intention to emphasize the fascination he held for BMW technology and create vivid associations with modern Japan. In order to do this, he continued with his earlier theme “Snow, Moon and Flowers”, this time, however, using the airbrush technique – he intensified contrast and elegance by applying fine shades of blue to the silver bodywork.

By means of extremely intricate techniques such as “Kirigane” (metal cutting) and “Arare” (foil print) he cut out small pieces of silver, gold and aluminium foil and transferred them to the bodywork.

Kayama did not design his Art Car for use in racing and on the road, but chiefly for exhibition purposes. This decision facilitated the application of the impressive but delicate Japanese foil print technique when designing the vehicle.

The BMW 535i

six-cylinder inline engine

overhead camshaft

displacement: 3430 cm³

power output: 211 bhp top

speed: 227 km/h