MINI One by Yayoi Kusama

Weird Car of the Day #483: 2004 MINI One by Yayoi Kusama

MINI One by Yayoi Kusama illustraion

Between 2003-2004, the Japanese gallery Mori Art Museum commissioned five art cars. Each was auctioned off, with all of the proceeds benefitting local charities.

As you may have already guessed, each was completed on the same platform: an 'R50' MINI One, the first generation developed by BMW.

Four of the MINIs are art cars, sure, but don't have the black hole-level of gravity that Yayoi Kusama's version does.

At least, in my opinion.

MINI One by Yayoi Kusama • MINI, Mori Art Museum, Tonson Gallery

Born in 1929, she died just days ago on August 14. An artistic treasure whose unique sensory experience led to some of the most simple yet immersive work I've ever had the pleasure of seeing up close.

Dots may look goofy on your screen, but in real life, Kusama's art is captivating at any scale.

Even in MINIature.

Because I'm still quite sad about this news, today's car is more of a tribute to my favourite of Kusama's art cars, the yellow and black MINI One. Because it's a side project art car, few official photos exist. Those that do are potato quality. (See photos of Kusama's other art cars below.)

We've lost a visionary, in my opinion.

Thank you, Yayoi.

PS, the Kusama MINI One may still be for sale—the trail leads to the Tonson Gallery, linked below. At the very end is a surprise ;)