Anthony James Unveils 'Reflections of Speed' Light Sculpture
Anthony James unveils 'Reflections of Speed,' a stunning light sculpture inspired by the Aston Martin Vanquish, blending art and engineering.
A breathtaking new light sculpture by British-American contemporary artist Anthony James has been unveiled in Hollywood, inspired by the latest Aston Martin Vanquish. The artwork, titled Reflections of Speed, was revealed ahead of Los Angeles’ esteemed Frieze art fair, celebrating the fusion of automotive design and artistic expression.
Launched in 2024 as the pinnacle of Aston Martin’s front-engine sports car range, the Vanquish has been widely regarded as an automotive masterpiece. Now, its sculpted form and dynamic presence have influenced James’ latest creation, a monumental 5.4m x 2.6m immersive sculpture meticulously developed over a year at his Los Angeles studio. Bringing the Vanquish to life through his signature interplay of light, materials, and alchemy, James has crafted a striking tribute to the synergy between art and engineering.
The sculpture was unveiled at an exclusive gathering of Aston Martin enthusiasts and art world figures at West Hollywood’s iconic Chateau Marmont, where it is displayed beside the famed swimming pool throughout Frieze Los Angeles weekend.
"Vanquish is more than just a car — it’s a sculpture in motion. Vanquish expresses true contemporary elegance through its proportional perfection, toned physique, broad stance, fluid curves and striking silhouette. There is great passion in creating pure excitement, and this new Vanquish is a culmination of fearless creativity and human ingenuity. With its form shaped to evoke emotion, Vanquish – like any piece of art – aims to inspire and captivate." - Marek Reichman, Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer at Aston Martin
James is internationally recognised for his distinctive light sculptures, which explore themes of infinity and space by blending geometry, glass, and LED lighting. His works create an illusion of endless tunnels of light through the use of mirrors and reflection, offering a mesmerising visual experience. Reflections of Speed weighs an impressive 2,721 kg (6,000 lbs) and, rather than being modular, exists as a singular, unified artwork.
A lifelong admirer of automotive design, James draws significant inspiration from cars, influenced by the cinematic and motorsport culture of the 1970s and 1980s. His work has explored the intersection of fine art and automotive aesthetics since 2007, and this latest piece builds on Aston Martin’s tradition of collaborations with leading contemporary artists, including photographer Rankin, collage artist Robi Walters, and Brazilian pop artist Romero Britto.
The artist himself describes this as his most ambitious project to date:
"This collaboration with Aston Martin is my most ambitious, technically advanced, and groundbreaking work to date. A true evolution of my practice. Reflections of Speed represents a major breakthrough in my career, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in automotive-inspired sculptures."
"Aston Martin itself is an art form, and in this collaboration, my goal is to celebrate the car from every perspective, seamlessly integrating it into my sculpture so that the two become one singular object. The artwork is designed to showcase the car from every angle, merging engineering with artistic expression in a way that has never been done before."
Unveiled in partnership with The Art Newspaper, a leading journal for visual arts, Reflections of Speed has already been met with critical acclaim.
"Art is so essential to what Aston Martin does. With every new model starting as a sketch and then evolving into a sculpture long before any car parts are involved, it only makes sense that they have commissioned a new project by an acclaimed contemporary artist. Anthony James’ brilliant work is also distinguished by an elegant marriage of artistry and engineering, echoing Aston Martin’s attention to line, surface and dynamism. The resulting work, unsurprisingly, melds the iconic British brand and the renowned artist’s distinctive imagery in the form of a bold, bravura sculpture." - Benjamin Sutton, Americas Editor of The Art Newspaper
Reflections of Speed, Credit: Aston Martin
As the most powerful flagship model in Aston Martin’s 112-year history, the Vanquish embodies cutting-edge engineering and design innovation. This creative spirit aligns with the way artists continually challenge conventions and redefine artistic traditions.
Like a timeless work of art, the Vanquish is crafted to transcend fleeting trends, ensuring its lasting appeal for generations to come. It embodies a harmonious blend of classic elegance and contemporary dynamism, securing its place as an enduring icon.
Following its Hollywood debut, Reflections of Speed will go on public display at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. Later this year, it is expected to be offered for sale, with all proceeds supporting both the museum and the LA Arts Community Fire Relief Fund, an initiative providing emergency support for artists and arts workers affected by wildfires in the region.
