Inspired by the Aston Martin Vanquish sports car, Anthony James’ sculpture Reflections of Speed was exhibited ahead of Frieze Los Angeles, earning admiration from both automotive and art enthusiasts alike.
Aston Martin’s new flagship V12 sports car, the Vanquish, is making an impact not just on the roads but also in the world of art. British-American contemporary artist Anthony James has fused art with automotive engineering and aesthetics through his breathtaking light sculpture Reflections of Speed. Displayed at Hollywood’s iconic Chateau Marmont before the Frieze Los Angeles art festival, this piece beautifully illustrates the deep connection between the automotive and art worlds.
Unveiled in 2024, the Aston Martin Vanquish represents the pinnacle of the brand’s front-engine sports car lineup. Described by Marek Reichman as a “sculpture in motion,” the Vanquish captivates with its perfect proportions, muscular stance, flowing lines, and striking silhouette. Having already proven its ability to evoke emotion and inspire, Aston Martin entrusted artist Anthony James to reimagine it through contemporary art, resulting in a stunning light sculpture.
Anthony James is renowned for his unique light sculptures, which blend geometry and illumination to explore space and time, often evoking the infinite universe. His Vanquish-inspired sculpture, measuring 5.4 meters by 2.6 meters, creates an immersive experience for viewers. Using glass and LED lighting with masterful precision, James spent 12 months crafting this intricate piece, which features an illusion of an infinite light tunnel—an homage to the Vanquish’s dynamic spirit.
The sculpture was unveiled at an exclusive event at Chateau Marmont, held beside its iconic pool, attended by members of Aston Martin’s elite Californian community and distinguished guests from the art world. Throughout Frieze Los Angeles weekend, the piece drew significant attention from both car and art enthusiasts. Aston Martin has a history of
collaborating with leading artists and creatives, from photographer Rankin to collage artist Robi Walters and Brazilian pop artist Romero Britto. Reflections of Speed is regarded by Anthony James himself as a pivotal work in his career.
James, known for merging light and geometry to explore the cosmos, frequently employs glass alongside LED lighting to create sculptures that reflect light infinitely. By using parallel or angled mirrors, he produces reflections that appear to stretch into eternity—an effect he has once again achieved in this piece. This technique gives viewers the sensation of looking into an endless tunnel of light. Reflections of Speed is a colossal sculpture, weighing 2,721 kg and formed from a single unified mass. The artist’s fascination with automobiles has long influenced his work; drawing inspiration from the cinema and motorsports culture of the 1970s and 1980s, he focused his artistic vision on the intersection of art and automotive design since 2007.
Following the exhibition, the sculpture will reside at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, where it will be displayed to the public. Later this year, it is expected to be sold, with proceeds benefiting the museum as well as the LA Arts Community Fire Relief Fund, which supports artists and art workers
