The world’s premier French automotive museum opened its newest art exhibition highlighting the works of visual artist Keith Collins on April 20. Collins, whose work explores the automotive realm, portraiture, music, sports, and abstract genres, showcases 20 art pieces influenced by the Mullin Automotive Museum collection.
Titled “ArTexture,” the exhibit spotlights fine art tapestries, paintings and assemblage sculpture alongside the actual vehicles that inspired the very pieces. On display includes a painting capturing the Mullin’s 1935 Voisin Type C25 Aerodyne winning “Best of Show” at the 2011 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, as well as a painting of the Mullin’s 1936 Type 57SC Bugatti Atlantic and a woodcut of the 1934 Voisin Type C27 Aérosport.
Primarily known for its distinguished selection of classic French automobiles and grand prix race cars, the Mullin also proudly boasts a collection of unique pieces of furniture, decorative arts, paintings, and photographs, further proving its commitment to the arts.
“This collaboration perfectly illustrates my two passions: fine art and French cars,” said Peter Mullin, founder and CEO of the Mullin Automotive Museum. “I have long admired Keith’s work, and I am delighted to host his first standalone exhibit at the museum.”
Detailed tapestries of the collection’s 1939 Delahaye Type 165 and 1935 Hispano-Suiza J12 Cabriolet are also on display. Both tapestries demonstrate Collins’ various techniques in capturing color and shape.
“My process is similar to putting a jigsaw puzzle together, except I make my own pieces and reassemble them, all by hand,” said artist Keith Collins. “I’ve always been passionate about the beauty of the automobile, and I’m honored to display my work alongside the rolling sculptures at the Mullin.”
Collins specializes in large-scale fine art tapestries, oil paintings and industrial assemblage sculptures. His work, which explores the automotive, portraiture, music, sports and abstract genres, is created through a labor-intensive process that includes layering materials piece-by-piece by hand or sewing them together with vintage sewing machines. His art hangs in the private homes of celebrities, garages, shops and collections around the world. Prized for uncompromising craftsmanship and photographic-like quality, his art must be seen in person to be fully appreciated.
The Mullin Automotive Museum has earned worldwide recognition receiving the 2021 Historic Motoring Awards title of Museum/Collection of the Year. It is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Friday and Saturday. To purchase tickets or for more information about the Mullin and “ArTexture,” visit www.mullinautomotivemuseum.com.
