L’art automobile Hervé Poulain, itinéraire d’un homme accéléré
The launch event for “L’art automobile – Hervé Poulain, itinéraire d’un homme accéléré” by Patrick Lesueur and Jean-Marc Thévenet took place on 16 December. Both authors are passionate about cars, and have a background as journalists and cartoonists. Here, they have brought us a book recounting the
The launch event for “L’art automobile – Hervé Poulain, itinéraire d’un homme accéléré” by Patrick Lesueur and Jean-Marc Thévenet took place on 16 December. Both authors are passionate about cars, and have a background as journalists and cartoonists. Here, they have brought us a book recounting the story of Hervé Poulain, who did so much to elevate cars into a fine art.
This encounter between art and automotive racing began back in 1975 when Hervé Poulain, an eminent race-car driver and renowned auctioneer, dreamt of competing in Le Mans 24 Hours. And so this union was born of a desire to combine his artistic tastes and his need for speed. The challenge Hervé Poulain set himself was to persuade a car manufacturer to give him a car that he could turn into a work of art. Jochen Neerpasch, founder of BMW Motorsport, supported him in this project, donating the very first car that would be painted by Alexander Calder, a 480 horsepower BMW 3.0 CSL.
Some of the greatest artists of the era painted these true paintings in motion, including Frank Stella, Roy Lichtenstein and Andy Warhol. The collection grew year after year, one Art Car after another, growing to include different automotive brands.
Extract from, L’art automobile – Hervé Poulain, itinéraire d’un homme accéléré, from E/P/A
In this book, the two authors recount the amazing story of a fascinating, passionate man. The story of a life in perpetual motion, driven by various projects. In total, 19 prestige cars would be produced, combining the perfection of motorsport with design and art. This luxurious gift set showcases a selection of outstanding automobiles sold by the man behind Art Cars.
By reaching out to the 20th century’s greatest artists, Hervé Poulain liberated cars from their utilitarian status, elevating them into a fine art. This unique collection has always been popular with the most inquisitive aficionados, those enlightened amateurs.
Information
L’art automobile – Hervé Poulain, itinéraire d’un homme accéléré
320 pages
Gift set/Hardback
Retail price: €120
Released on
Wednesday 11 December 2019
Librairie d’Art Artcurial
7, Rond-Point des Champs-Elysées
75008 Paris
Event contact
Géraldine Martin
Tel. +33 1 42 99 16 19