German engineering and art mix at Grand Central.

From now until April 6 Grand Central Terminal is home to two BMW art exhibits, the Expression of Joy display and the BMW Art Car World Tour. The former is the final product of a joint effort between artist Robin Rhode and filmmaker Jake Scott. Rhode used the BMW Z-4 Roadster as his "paintbrush" to masterfully express his vision. To my surprise the actual exhibit, although good to see in person, is upstaged by the official website. Even if you can check out the physical exhibit, I highly recommend spending some time on the website.

The second piece of the exhibit is an excerpt from BMW's traveling Art Car World Tour (background here, thank you NYTimes). The project started in 1975 as a way for BMW to demonstrate its commitment to the arts. Four of the 16 cars are showcased at GCT - the Art Cars are those designed by Andy Warhol (pictured below), Roy Lichtenstein, Frank Stella and Robert Rauschenberg. Much to the appreciation of this not-so-up-on-the-artists-showcased, BMW provides background information on each car with the aid of an 800 number. If you'd like to learn more about the cars, their artists, and the back story to BMW's relationship with them, call 1-888-746-0460. Enter one of the codes below to learn more once the call connects:

Robin Rhode (Expression of Joy) - 10
Frank Stella - 20
Andy Warhol - 30
Roy Lichtenstein - 40
Robert Rauschenberg - 50

Andy Warhol:






Robert Rauschenberg:






Roy Lichtenstein:





Frank Stella:






More photos from the Expression of Joy:











Cheers.