Visitors to McLaren Racing can say “Hola” to a giant sculpture of a Kiwi bird designed by Mexican artist Luis Pablo, who has bestowed his artistic sculpture on a global stage ahead of the FORMULA 1 GRAN PREMIO DE LA CIUDAD DE MÉXICO 2022 weekend.
Honouring Mexican tradition, Vuse, the no.1 global vape brand*, and partner The McLaren F1 Team, have unveiled an unprecedented bright and celebratory 8-foot-tall Kiwi in the style of traditional Mexican folk art, alebrije, based on designs by the sculptor from Oaxaca, Mexico. Perched at the iconic headquarters of The McLaren F1 Team, just in time for the FORMULA 1 GRAN PREMIO DE LA CIUDAD DE MÉXICO, Luis Pablo’s bold paintwork gives the Kiwi a new lease of life.
The larger-than-life installation, which is visible until after the Mexican Grand Prix weekend, is a recreation of smaller scale alebrije Kiwis that Luis has handmade and gifted to The McLaren F1 Team. Putting Mexican folk art on a pedestal in time for Luis’ home race and drawing attention to the role that culture and heritage plays in his work, the eye-catching design is an assembly of three worlds; Vuse’s drive to champion emerging creatives, Luis’s passion and creative talent in alebrije artwork and The McLaren F1 Team’s heritage in New Zealand.
True to Vuse’s ethos, the brand has taken Luis’s artwork to the next level creating a larger-than-life celebratory Kiwi. In partnership with Jahee Campbell-Brennan, Director, at Wavey Dynamics, Luis’s smaller-scale Kiwi has been 3D scanned to become an 8-foot CNC milled sculpture made from a similar type of high-density foam to those used as core materials within carbon fibre wings, floors, wishbones and other structures in F1 cars where it acts to provide further stiffness and strength. The bespoke Kiwi sculpture marks the latest activity as part of Vuse’s Driven by Change programme alongside The McLaren F1 Team which supports the creative class by offering underrepresented artistic talent the opportunity to showcase their passion and work on one of the world’s biggest and most high-profile stages – elite motorsport.
Luis has a deep passion for alebrijes, a traditional form of Mexican folk art, which combines intricate carvings depicting animals, people, objects, and imaginary creatures painted with intense colours and vibrant patterns. Driven by his creative pursuits, over the years, Luis has mastered his craft to become a guardian of Mexican folk art, which is showcased by his impressive collection of intricately designed alebrijes. Through his sculptures, he hopes to represent and shine a spotlight on this traditional form of Mexican art which is steeped in history; inspiring others to embrace and share their own cultural traditions.
Luis Pablo comments: “Through Driven by Change, Vuse has offered me the incredible opportunity to be able to represent my culture and introduce alebrije to many who would otherwise never encounter it. I hope that through creativity and design, we have brought together the worlds of Mexico, New Zealand, Vuse and The McLaren F1 Team to symbolise the power of heritage. It is amazing to be able to showcase my artwork and culture on a global stage and I’d like my artwork to be seen as an example to the next generation, inspiring them to believe in themselves.”
In homage to their founder, racing driver Bruce McLaren, New Zealand’s national bird, the Kiwi, has become embedded in The McLaren F1 Team’s mantra, embracing spirit, perseverance, and pursuit of better. Luis has reimagined the flightless bird, decorating it with the iconic papaya and blue colourway of The McLaren F1 Team to symbolise the passion that comes from being proud of your background, the diligence that comes with the belief in your abilities and the ongoing drive to follow your dreams.
Matt Dennington, Executive Director, Partnerships & Accelerator, McLaren Racing comments: “It is a pleasure to welcome Luis Pablo to the McLaren Technology Centre to celebrate his amazing work. Through Vuse’s Driven by Change campaign, we are proud to celebrate underrepresented artists and help to give them the recognition they deserve.”
Vuse is committed to supporting the creative industries. The Driven by Change initiative forms part of Vuse’s legacy and ambition to accelerate the creative pursuits of underrepresented artists across the globe. Working with their partner, The McLaren F1 Team, Vuse’s Driven by Change programme identifies new opportunities to bring their work to life, helping introduce creatives from diverse backgrounds to the masses. Luis’s large-scale alebrije Kiwi will be showcased at McLaren Racing from today until after the FORMULA 1 GRAN PREMIO DE LA CIUDAD DE MÉXICO 2022 on Sunday 31st October.
John Beasley, Group Head of Brand Building, BAT, comments: “From Abu Dhabi to Colombia and now Mexico – Driven by Change is establishing a truly global legacy, celebrating underrepresented artists from all walks of life. Luis’s clear passion for his colourful, bold and unique form of traditional Mexican Folk art is inspiring and having an alebrije brought to life at the McLaren F1 Team’s HQ epitomises what Driven by Change is all about.”
