Lexus has unveiled a groundbreaking collaboration with Dutch solar designer Marjan van Aubel, set to create an innovative sun-powered installation within the Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami (ICA Miami) sculpture garden. This collaboration, inspired by the LF-ZC Lexus Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) Concept car, marks a significant step in Lexus’s journey towards a carbon-neutral future. The interactive installation, named “8 Minutes and 20 Seconds” after the time it takes for sunlight to reach the Earth, will be unveiled in early December and showcased throughout Miami Art & Design Week 2023.
This extraordinary installation will serve as a testament to the immense potential of harnessing carbon-neutral energy and a sculptural representation of Lexus’s cutting-edge electrified vehicle model. The installation will feature organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells, showcasing the intersection of art, technology, and sustainability.
The LF-ZC (Lexus Future Zero-emission Catalyst) concept, which forms the foundation of this collaboration, is a symbol of Lexus’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and its promise to enrich the lives of its customers. It is a part of the upcoming next-generation Lexus BEV lineup, offering elevated driving dynamics, uncompromised design, and exclusive services.
This project represents Marjan van Aubel’s first public installation in Miami and marks the second year of collaboration between Lexus and ICA Miami. Together, they aim to inspire visitors to recognize the positive impact of creative design on sustainability and environmental consciousness.
To bring this installation to life, van Aubel’s studio is partnering with Random Studio, a Certified B Corporation® known for creating immersive spatial experiences globally. The installation will be constructed at scale, featuring OPV sheets that cast colorful shadows as sunlight interacts with them throughout the day. Light and motion sensors within the sculpture will make it an engaging, interactive experience, further highlighting the potential of Lexus’s electric revolution.
Marjan van Aubel, renowned for her innovative solar designs that seamlessly integrate sustainable energy into daily life, shared her enthusiasm for the collaboration, saying, “Lexus’ dedication to innovation and craftsmanship resonates with the ethos of my own practice, which is that functional design can be both sustainable and aesthetically beautiful. With this collaboration, I hope we can bring light to the concept that sustainable design solutions are works of art.”
Brian Bolain, Lexus’ global head of marketing, expressed the brand’s honor at working with Marjan van Aubel and their shared commitment to sustainable, human-centric design.
Alex Gartenfeld, Irma and Norman Braman Artistic Director at ICA Miami, emphasized the importance of environmental sustainability and expressed delight in providing a platform for Marjan van Aubel’s work during Miami Art Week.
In addition to the installation, Lexus will host the Lexus Art Series: Art and Innovation talks with Whitewall, featuring discussions and talks between Lexus ambassadors and industry leaders in the art and design sectors.
About Marjan van Aubel: Marjan van Aubel Studio is an award-winning innovative solar design practice dedicated to bringing solar energy into daily life. Their work aims to integrate solar power seamlessly into environments, buildings, and objects. Notable projects include Sunne, Current Table, Power Plant, and the roof of the Netherlands Pavilion at the World Expo 2020 in Dubai.
About Institute of Contemporary Art Miami: The Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami, is a cultural institution dedicated to promoting experimentation in contemporary art, advancing new scholarship, and fostering the exchange of art and ideas. It offers free admission and plays a central role in developing cultural literacy in the Miami region.
About Lexus: Lexus, a global luxury automotive brand, is committed to delivering exceptional craftsmanship, bold design, and exhilarating performance. They are dedicated to crafting experiences that excite and change the world.
About Random Studio: Random Studio is a spatial experience design studio and B-corporation based in Amsterdam and Paris, focused on creating dynamic spaces that evolve based on interactions with people, architecture, nature, and technology.
For more information, please visit the respective websites of Marjan van Aubel, ICA Miami, Lexus, and Random Studio.