The new Aston Martin Vanquish has inspired a breathtaking light sculpture by acclaimed British-American contemporary artist Anthony James. Unveiled in Hollywood ahead of Frieze Los Angeles, one of the city’s most prestigious art festivals, this masterpiece seamlessly merges automotive excellence with artistic innovation.
Introduced in 2024 as the pinnacle of Aston Martin’s front-engine sports car lineage, the Vanquish has been hailed as a work of automotive art. Now, its legacy is immortalized in “Reflections of Speed”, a monumental 5.4-meter x 2.6-meter immersive sculpture. Crafted over 12 months in James’ Los Angeles studio, the piece brings Vanquish to life through his signature fusion of light, alchemy, and modern materials. Every detail—from the smallest contour to the most intricate reflection—echoes the car’s sculpted elegance and unparalleled engineering precision.
An Iconic Setting for a Masterpiece
Unveiled to an intimate audience of Aston Martin’s Californian community and esteemed art collectors, the sculpture is displayed at Chateau Marmont, West Hollywood’s most exclusive retreat, beside its legendary swimming pool throughout Frieze weekend.
Marek Reichman, Aston Martin’s Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer, reflects on the essence of the Vanquish:
“Vanquish is more than just a car — it’s a sculpture in motion. With its proportional perfection, fluid curves, and striking silhouette, it expresses true contemporary elegance. This new Vanquish is the culmination of fearless creativity and human ingenuity, designed to inspire and captivate, much like a great work of art.”
Anthony James: The Vision Behind the Light
Renowned for his celestial light sculptures that evoke infinity and explore space and time, Anthony James transforms geometric precision and LED illumination into a mesmerizing experience. His technique, which employs glass and mirrored surfaces, creates an endless interplay of light, giving viewers the illusion of looking into an infinite tunnel.
This latest work is not just a sculpture—it is a single, unified object weighing 6,000 pounds (2,721 kg), an extraordinary feat of design and craftsmanship. James, whose passion for automobiles dates back to his early fascination with motorsport and cinematic car culture, has long explored the intersection of art and automotive design.
“This collaboration with Aston Martin is my most ambitious and technically advanced work to date,” James shares. “Aston Martin itself is an art form. My goal was to seamlessly integrate the car into my sculpture, making them one singular object—melding engineering and artistic expression in a way never done before.”
A Legacy of Art and Innovation
This project follows Aston Martin’s long tradition of collaborations with celebrated artists, from photographer Rankin to collage artist Robi Walters and pop icon Romero Britto. James’ work previously adorned Q New York, Aston Martin’s flagship luxury showroom on Park Avenue.
Presented in partnership with The Art Newspaper, the sculpture has already received critical acclaim. Benjamin Sutton, Americas Editor, remarked:
“Art is integral to Aston Martin’s DNA. Each new model begins as a sketch, evolving into a sculpture long before any mechanical components are involved. Anthony James’ work mirrors Aston Martin’s marriage of artistry and engineering, resulting in a bold and breathtaking piece.”
A Timeless Creation for the Future
As the most powerful flagship in Aston Martin’s 112-year history, the Vanquish represents a perfect harmony of engineering and aesthetics. Like a masterpiece that transcends time, its classic elegance meets modern edge, ensuring its desirability for generations.
Following its debut at Chateau Marmont, Reflections of Speed will be displayed to the public at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. Later this year, the artwork will be offered for sale, with proceeds supporting the museum and the LA Arts Community Fire Relief Fund, aiding artists affected by California’s devastating wildfires.
With this extraordinary fusion of art, design, and speed, Reflections of Speed stands as a testament to the boundless creativity that defines both Aston Martin and the world of contemporary art.
