When you walk into a place like the Moco Museum, you expect to see names that have shaped modern and contemporary art – Andy Warhol, Jeff Koons, Keith Haring, and Jean-Michel Basquiat, among others. But when I stepped through the doors of their London facility, I didn’t anticipate finding myself face-to-face with something that spoke directly to my world: cars.
Yet there it was, among the giants of pop and street art: Daniel Arsham’s Blue Calcite Eroded Porsche 911 sculpture. Known for his ‘future relics’ and eroded aesthetic, the New York-based artist had created a vision of time and decay, cast in fibreglass, steel, and minerals.
Every inch of the 911’s iconic lines had been faithfully replicated, a tribute to its timeless design. But then, as Arsham is known to do, he introduced signature cutaways and voids, embedding blue calcite and quartz crystals where sheet metal, engine parts, or leather would normally sit. These weren’t just random additions; they’re integral to the Eroded 911, as if this Porsche had been unearthed from the earth as a forgotten relic.
For a petrolhead, seeing a Porsche 911 in a museum is nothing new. We celebrate these cars in automotive exhibitions all around the world. But here, in a space dominated by contemporary expression, the 911 exists as something different. It becomes a statement, a bridge between car culture and fine art, a reminder that automotive design isn’t just about engineering — it’s sculpture, its history, its storytelling.
It made me think about the legacy of 911, its timeless appeal, and how even in a state of “decay” its beauty remains undeniable. The car’s form is so iconic, so deeply ingrained in our collective consciousness, a real testament to Porsche’s design language.
Standing in front of the 911, I was hit by a mix of emotions. As someone who’s spent years at race tracks, in garages, and at car meets, seeing a Porsche in any form is always special. But this? This felt different. It was a realization that cars can be more than just machines. Their cultural significance stretches far beyond speed and performance. They are part of a larger conversation – one that extends beyond petrol fumes and lap times.
Ultimately, experiencing the Blue Calcite Eroded Porsche 911 in person was a powerful reminder that the passion for cars can live far beyond the garage and open road, finding its expression in the most unexpected of places.
Vladimir Ljadov
Instagram: wheelsbywovka
because@wheelsbywovka.com
www.wheelsbywovka.com
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