Exclusive First Look: ERG and Daniel Arsham Launch ‘Arsham Motorsport’

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In a unique blend of Daniel Arsham‘s distinctive artistic style and the realm of automotive design, we encounter Arsham Motorsport, a lavish art book published by ERG Media, spearheaded by Ted Gushue and recognized for its Type 7 imprint. This inaugural publication showcasing Arsham’s automotive works offers a casual catalog of his creations up to 2024, delving deeply into the artist’s profound ties with the auto industry.

Having previously published books under his own name, we were intrigued as to why Arsham decided to collaborate with ERG this time. He explained: “I’ve been impressed by the books Ted and Mathilda have been producing at ERG over the past couple of years. As I was formulating the idea for this book, I felt they would be ideally suited to bring it to life. We went to great lengths with this project, incorporating a substantial amount of new photography, intricate design, and dedicating more than a year to gathering all the research and background details — which is one aspect of ERG that I admire: their attention to detail and historical accuracy.

Speaking with TopMob, Arsham expressed his anticipation for the moment when people will start enjoying the book, saying it’s similar to him admiring a book already created by ERG. Each book holds fresh knowledge for him, and he finds the thoughtful photography, sophisticated design, language, and overall publication absolutely stunning and remarkable.

The publication comes as a pair, with each part focusing on distinct elements of Arsham’s automotive and artistic output. The initial volume showcases the unique vehicles that Arsham has created in partnership with his wide-ranging network, featuring his innovative reinterpretations of Porsche designs. The second part explores his renowned “Eroded” sculptures, which embody a significant aspect of his artistic style by merging classic, modern, and futuristic aesthetics.

Each book within this set presents an image that corresponds to its subject matter. The first volume showcases a vibrant picture of the Stone Island Porsche 911 Safari, while the second volume displays a detailed close-up of the Eroded 992-generation Porsche 911. Enclosed in a refined concrete grey linen case, this collection is adorned with intricate foil-stamped graphics in Arsham’s signature green, mirroring the attention to detail found in his artistic creations.

The book is made even more impressive by the top-quality photos taken by Thomas Walk, who is the art director at ERG Media. These images provide a visually engaging record of Arsham’s automotive creations. Through unique perspectives, readers get a behind-the-scenes peek into the extensive research, experimentation, and engineering that realize his vision.

Additionally, we had a chat with Gushue for extra information about the book. He enlightened us on the creation process of the book, what sets it apart from other ERG publications, and what excites him the most as it gets released.

What excites you most about the release of Arsham Motorsports?

This book represents more than two years of intensive teamwork between Arsham Studio and the ERG group. We’ve taken great care to record each aspect of Daniel Arsham’s automotive endeavors from the last ten years, providing a unique glimpse into his automotive realm. What truly captivates me is that this book will provide readers with exclusive insights into his creative methodology, the ideas driving his work, and the development story of his cars—perspectives that have never been publicly disclosed by the artist or his studio before.

How does it differ from books you’ve released in the past?

Arsham Motorsports presents an unprecedented endeavor for us. Instead of previous projects, we’re launching our first double-volume release. This monumental undertaking mirrors the complexity and grandeur of Daniel’s automotive creations. The two volumes are meticulously arranged: one delves into his sculptures with an eroded finish, displaying how he reimagines automotive shapes through his unique style. The second volume highlights his car projects that are dynamic in nature, honoring the vehicles he has constructed, customized, and competed with on racetracks. The format itself underscores the immersive and multi-dimensional aspect of this project.

How did the book come to be and what sparked the idea for it?

Daniel and I have maintained frequent interaction since he embarked on his car-related journey. Our partnership began when I initiated him into the realm of Porsche, sparking his Eroded 992 project. As I observed, his fervor for automotive design transformed from casual interest to a consuming and systematic obsession. With the passage of time, we effortlessly discussed ways to chronicle this adventure – not merely as a recap, but as an in-depth investigation into how his artistic perspective aligns with the auto industry. This book served as an ideal medium to preserve that development.

What was the most challenging and rewarding aspect of creating the book?

One captivating element of Daniel’s projects is that each new endeavor encompasses not only the completed car, but also an expansive creative cosmos. For instance, the Bonsai 356 isn’t merely a single vehicle; it’s accompanied by a wealth of research materials, material explorations, fashion designs, and innovative ideas that form its broader context. The most daunting yet fulfilling task was to encapsulate this vast creative ecosystem, not just display the finished pieces, but also reveal the intricate process that sets Daniel’s projects apart as truly distinctive.

Arsham Motorsport showcases the perfect blend of art and car culture, solidifying Arsham’s presence in both spheres. The book’s exceptional attention to detail and workmanship makes it an essential purchase for automotive aficionados and art connoisseurs alike.

If you’re eager to secure a copy of the book quickly, visit ERG’s official website where it can be pre-ordered for $320 USD and is scheduled to be shipped no later than February 26. For further insights into Arsham’s automotive enthusiasm, specifically focusing on Porsche, take a look at this latest interview with Hypedrive.

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2025-02-19 17:26