Lychees From Leechie: ROLLS-ROYCE PRESENTS A NEW COMMISSION IN SINGAPORE BY AMERICAN ARTIST CARLOS ROLÓN/DZINE

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

ROLLS-ROYCE PRESENTS A NEW COMMISSION IN SINGAPORE BY AMERICAN ARTIST CARLOS ROLÓN/DZINE

Was at the unveiling of a new art installation by Chicago-based artist Carlos Rolón/Dzine (recipient of America’s award for the National Endowment of the Arts) at Rolls-Royce Singapore showroom this afternoon. ‘Untitled (Opulence)’ is Carlos' first work to be presented as the feature showpiece of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Singapore showroom for a month, in collaboration with Pearl Lam Galleries, one of Asia's most important contemporary art galleries, and will be shown for one month to coincide with Art Stage Singapore (22 – 25 January 2015). This latest installation is part of the Rolls-Royce art programme, which draws together the handcrafted elegance of Rolls-Royce motor cars with contemporary artists around the world.

This neon sculpture is inspired by the traditional Parthenon style Grille and the Spirit of Ecstasy of each Rolls-Royce motor car. Measuring 3M by 3.5M, this new installation explores movement, lines and the interaction of colour together with changes of mood and perception. By juxtaposing the use of neon and a mandala-like pattern, the work employs the combined language of post minimalism, pop art and abstraction. Meditative and therapeutic, it creates a trance-like effect for the viewer. Untitled (Opulence) appeals to the senses and projects into the future, while encompassing the story of mythical beauty, energy and ecstasy.

Posing with Untitled (Opulence), which is inspired by Rolls-Royce’s tradition of expert craftsmanship, and a Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II are, from left: Mr Karsono Kwee, Executive Chairman of Eurokars Group; Carlos Rolón, artist; Pearl Lam, owner of Pearl Lam Galleries and Paul Harris, Asia Pacific Regional Director of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.

A bonnet ornament on the new Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II, ’The Spirit of Ecstasy’ is seen with the ‘Untitled (Opulence)’ in the background at the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Singapore showroom. ‘Untitled (Opulence)’, the showpiece by American artist Carlos Rolón was inspired by the Spirit of Ecstasy, Parthenon Grill and Starlight Headlining of a Rolls-Royce.

Love the vibrant hues of this interesting creation by Carlos Rolón

Rolón, who also goes by the name Dzine, has been recognised for his elaborately crafted paintings and ornate sculptures. His practice encompasses a range of media moving seamlessly between murals, sculpture, painting, and installation while he investigates pop culture, craft, ritual, beauty, spirituality, and identity and its relationship to art history, subculture, appropriation and the institution. His carefully crafted works, often inspired by a hybrid of cultures, are playfully situated between the contradictory worlds of conspicuous consumption and urban artefact.

Mr. Paul Harris, Asia Pacific Regional Director of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, addressing the media during the unveiling of ‘Untitled (Opulence)’

Paul Harris, Asia Pacific Regional Director of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, said, “Rolón is a critically acclaimed, international artist who, through his own background, appreciates craftsmanship and Bespoke, two tenets of our own Rolls-Royce business. His philosophy is grounded in identity and self-expression, and so we believe that his work will touch a cord with Rolls-Royce clients and enthusiasts alike. It is an honour that we are able to support the artist and his work at a time when Singapore has emerged as an internationally vibrant hub for contemporary art.”

Mr Karsono Kwee, Executive Chairman of Eurokars Group, commented, “I am very proud that our Rolls-Royce showroom in Singapore is hosting a highly unique artwork that draws its inspiration from the brand’s iconic products. It is a real privilege. I hope that our customers, prospects and the public alike will come down to appreciate Carlos’ work alongside our pinnacle motor cars.”

Pearl Lam said, “I am thrilled to be working for the first time with Rolls-Royce's innovative Arts initiative to present a bespoke neon sculptural work by Carlos Rolón/Dzine. As a brand Rolls-Royce embodies a passion for handcraft, creativity, design and engineering, values shared by Rolón/Dzine and Pearl Lam Galleries. For this project Rolón/Dzine has created a neon work utilising the iconic image of the Rolls Royce radiator grill combining a street art aesthetic and global appreciation of luxury.

About The Rolls-Royce Arts Programme

The world’s leading super-luxury car manufacturer proudly counts some of the most revered names in the contemporary art world as clients. Recognising this, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, seeks to engage with connoisseurs and admirers of art at their leisure, in the suitably fitting surrounds of the contemporary art scene. Rolls-Royce’s aim is to create environments in which patrons of the art gain an effortless, artistic and modern luxury experience.

Just as the iconic Rolls-Royce mascot ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’ has been an inspiration for timeless, artistic beauty for over a century, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars today remains passionate about creativity and craftsmanship, with a view to supporting often unexpected, surprising and inspiring installations.

The Rolls-Royce arts initiative comprises a series of art talks, in situ works and artistic partnerships, drawing together the handcrafted elegance of Rolls-Royce motor cars with contemporary artists around the world. Artists and industry authorities including Isaac Julien, Erwin Wurm and Karl Largerfeld have featured in the programme. In the Asia-Pacific region, Rolls-Royce has nurtured collaborations with Kitty Chou (Hong Kong), Michael Zavros (Australia), Wu Chi-Tsung (Taiwan) and – for the first time in Singapore – Carlos Rolón.

Untitled (Opulence) will be on display at the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Singapore showroom (2nd floor) from 23 to 25 January for public viewing.
Address: 29 Leng Kee Road, Singapore 159099
Opening hours: 12pm to 6pm
*Schools and colleges are welcome

Thanks Rolls-Royce for the kind invitation to view the most unique art installation and to get up close and personal with the Rolls-Royce Phantom, Ghost and Wraith masterpieces! =)