Miguel Sánchez
Normally, when you think of technology, something very innovative comes to mind. Some next-generation component, machine or design with signs of being part of the space race. However, the truth is that -in general terms- any transformation produced for certain practical purposes can be considered technology. In this way, prehistoric humanity already created material culture by colliding two stones with the aim of obtaining a cutting edge.
Thus, in a fully unconscious way, a long walk began where, today, spaceships are inserted. A process exemplified visually by Stanley Kubrick. Who in 2001: A Space Odyssey traces a simple thread between the hominids -discovering how to alter their environment using a bone as a tool- and future humanity -thrown into the arms of space exploration-. Understanding this we can understand and value the importance of design.
And it is that we have lived surrounded by it since the times in which our ancestors decorated weapons and caves. However, even in the XXI century it seems to be necessary continue claiming industrial design as a discipline perfectly comparable to the rest of the arts. Limited by the fact that here form must follow function. But absolutely necessary to understand the way we develop our societies.
In this sense, the exhibition Motion, Cars, Art, Architecture emphasizes the importance of motorsports in the recent history of humanity. Explaining how this has generated a revolutionary process for the way in which we interact with the environment, also giving a good collection of icons related to industrial design. For all this, this sample commissioned by British architect Norman Foster It should be a meeting point for all fans. From those who see motorsports as an industry with socio-economic implications to those who simply want to admire some of the best automotive design exercises in history.
MOTION, AN ENCYCLOPEDIC EXHIBITION AT THE GUGGENHEIM BILBAO
Star museums like the Guggenheim Bilbao run the risk of falling into the same paradox as some supposedly sports cars. Very striking due to its bodywork as a design exercise, but little endowed inside as it has very normal mechanics. Nevertheless, for the Motion exhibition they have made a great effort with the aim of giving an encyclopedic overview of the history of automotive design. In this way, the coexistence in its catalog of the 1886 Benz Motorwagen with an F1 of the same brand produced in the recent 2020 stands out.
An interesting relationship with which to see the technical evolution of motorsports, narrated through various thematic rooms that go from the beginning to the future. Specially treated in the Future space, where various schools of design address the intersection between mobility issues, urbanism and the automobile. However, what fans of the classics are waiting for can be found in the Visionaires, Sculptures or Beginnings rooms. The places where some of the best and most iconic samples of unique pieces created throughout the history of motorsports are contextualized.
SYMBOLS OF RETROFUTURISM
Something very interesting happens with industrial design. And it is that, with the passage of time, even the most visionary ends up being old while undoubtedly preserving a large part of that modernism. Thus, the label "retrofuturism”. Which can well be applied to the most impressive classic models among all those housed in the Motion sample. To begin with, one of the models that best represents this idea is a national model, although it was brought from the museum in the Netherlands where it is kept. We talk about Pegasus Z-102 Dome.
Undoubtedly one of those spectacular flashes of industrial design that were never repeated. Well, although it may seem incredible after devising such a car, it is very complex to trace the traces of Masgrau's career. Continuing in the world of voluptuous volumes and the curve in Motion, you can also see a 57 Bugatti Type1936SC Atlantic. One of the most striking bodies for pre-war motoring. Staging the growing importance of aerodynamics in forms sculpted by the sensation of movement.
In addition, the Guggenheim's Motion exhibition includes the Firebird I, II and III prototypes from General Motors. As well as numerous models and objects related to the history of automotive design. With all that, it is worth approaching Bilbao before September 18 to admire this selection of models. Where not a few of these prototypes seen a thousand and one times in magazines are included, although very, very few, in reality.
Photographs by Unai Ona.
