Two British masters One epic sculpture

Aston Martin commissions a very special work of art. A highly distinctive, immersive new sculpture by renowned British-born, California-based artist Anthony James, called ‘Reflections of Speed’. With this monumental 5.4 metre x 2.6 metre artwork he brings the Aston Martin Vanquish to a discerning new audience by positioning the car, quite literally, as a masterpiece.

To share this collaboration, an exclusive event was held at the iconic Chateau Marmont in Hollywood, ahead of Los Angeles’ most prestigious art festival, Frieze. A magnet for those who appreciate art and must-attend for influential art buyers, the piece was unveiled to an intimate audience of global art collectors and Aston Martin’s Californian community.

Inspired by Aston Martin’s flagship V12 sportscar, Vanquish, the sculpture is a single, unified object weighing 6,000 pounds (2,721 kg) that brings the car spectacularly to life through Anthony’s signature style. Blending light and geometry. Angled reflections appearing to extend into the infinite. An exploration of time and space that evokes the infinite cosmos. And all with Vanquish at its heart.

It's an artistic tour de force that is a true manifestation of an undeniable collaboration of British artistry. The perfect illustration of a combined commitment to meticulous detail with engineering and design precision evident from all angles.

For those who appreciate contemporary art and have a passion for the world’s finest sports cars, it’s a significant cultural moment. One created in partnership with the leading journal for the visual arts world, The Art Newspaper.

According to Marek Reichman, Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer at Aston Martin: “Vanquish is more than just a car – it’s a sculpture in motion. With its form shaped to evoke emotion, Vanquish – like any piece of art – aims to inspire and captivate.”

This matches how contemporary artists like Anthony push boundaries. Experiment with new techniques and mediums. And stay true to their vision. In this case, creating an infinite dance of light that reveals the subtle mastery of Vanquish's form. The installation transforms the car into a living masterpiece, demonstrating Aston Martin’s unique position at the intersection of engineering and artistry, a celebration of form, function, and beauty.

Anthony himself has a lifelong passion for cars, shaped and informed by James Bond, 1970s and ’80s Formula One^®, Le Mans, and the world of rallying. Having always been drawn to high-performance GT models, he has a deep appreciation of the blend of high-level skills and innovative materials involved. Aston Martin’s constant use of innovative processes, groundbreaking materials and elite teamwork is mirrored in his own approach. “Throughout my career, I’ve explored various techniques and materials, from burnt and hand-hammered car bodies to unexpected mediums like bronze and copper. The methods I use have taken a lifetime to refine, and I continue to experiment, often starting with industrial materials before distilling them into their purest artistic form.”

Anthony’s approach to welding is inspired by aviation and rocket propulsion techniques, utilising materials like stainless steel, glass, and lights to create seamless, intricate forms. Every element is designed and manufactured in the studio, down to the smallest details. Even the use of a clip – rather than a standard bolt – is specifically designed and 3D-printed for one sole purpose.

This attention to the detail within the detail is another quality both partners share. “This level of precision ensures the final sculpture appears effortless, as I attempt to eliminate any visible traces of the fabrication process. The human eye is naturally drawn to imperfections, so my goal is creating a piece where the focus remains on the optical illusions and the philosophy behind the work, rather than the mechanics of its construction.”

From the initial design process to the sculpture’s completion, the project took over a year. And, just like us, Anthony continually strives to offer his admirers something new in a constant quest for originality. “I’ve always thought of Aston Martin itself as an art form, and in this collaboration, my goal is to celebrate the car from every perspective, seamlessly integrating it into my sculpture so 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’s never been done before.”

Having created numerous monumental pieces over the past two decades we were delighted Anthony James collaborated with the Aston Martin design and engineering team behind the Vanquish for his most ambitious, technically advanced, and groundbreaking work to date. Before the reveal he said: “This is a true evolution of my practice, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in automotive-inspired sculpture. I’m excited to see people's reactions. This is, without a doubt, the most significant piece I’ve ever created."

Later this year, ‘Reflections of Speed’, is intended to be auctioned, with proceeds supporting the museum and the LA Arts Community Fire Relief Fund.