Karan Singh's Collab w/ Porsche
A design constructed of a perfect marriage between nostalgia and technology.
As part of an activation for Porsche at Sydney SXSW, Karan Singh was asked to design and create this contemporary artwork.
Although the brief was open to interpretation, for Porsche, it was important that the artist understood the rich heritage of design and style that Porsche has. Singh was the perfect candidate.
The artwork was used to vinyl wrap and highlight the Taycan electric sportscar: The world's first all-electric sportscar. Ambient, animated assets, also designed by Singh, were played on screens around the car.
"This newer body of my work is a call back to the retro-futuristic airbrush artworks of the 80s, while the core colours in the design; Red Green and Blue, are inspired by the core colours of digital screens that surround us." - Karan
Porsche is celebrating 75 years of history, a rarity for car brands! For their 75th celebration, there has been a distinct focus on colour, an idyllic project for Karan and his lively 80s approach.
Porsche Art House x SXSW x Karan Singh
What is the design concept behind the car? Why did you choose these specific colours?
Karan: The inspiration behind the design is a marriage of nostalgia and technology. This newer body of my work is a call back to the retro-futuristic airbrush artworks of the 80s, while the core colours in the design; Red Green and Blue, are inspired by the core colours of digital screens that surround us. The blurred wash of colours conveys a sense of movement and relays the idea of evolution between eras. At the same time, the treatment is intended to be pared back to allow the distinct Porsche lines and silhouette of the car to speak for itself.
What was your favourite part / most challenging part of the process?
Karan: As a fan and having visited Stuttgart to tour the Porsche museum and factory, being so conscious of the heritage added a bit of pressure. Essentially I just wanted to do the brand justice and for the car to be the best it could possibly be.
When did you realise you first wanted to be a designer?
Karan: I'd always been enamoured with the idea of making things as a kid. It’s something I still love doing today and is rooted in curiosity and exploration. I’d always dreamed of being able to draw and create but only realised it was something I could do for a living after I’d chosen a degree at university. So instead, I spent my days studying and my nights drawing. My curiosity and obsession with the craft blossomed from a dream to a hobby to a career as an artist.
How has evolving technology helped you develop your art?
Learning new skills, especially through technology, is something that keeps me driven, interested and evolving. I try to learn a new skill each year to apply to my art practice because I don’t like the idea of my approach becoming formulaic. It’s a way that keeps my practice exciting and interesting every day.
