In 2016 Flight Logistics ShipArt™ CEO Tracey Brown initiated the #ShipArt #ArtOnWheels vehicle wrap project which sponsors a unique cross section of the global art community in a drive to support artists, encourage creativity and make a small contribution to the movement to make art in its infinite forms accessible to all. Since 2016 the project has grown in size and significance – in 4 years they have wrapped 14 vehicles in unique artwork by well-known artists.
With an acute public awareness and sensitivity to environmental and humanitarian issues, these became the vital criteria when selecting the next artist and artwork.
Artists (not galleries or representatives) from all around the world were invited to submit a piece of their own artwork for consideration along with a short bio which needed to reflect the artists general motivating factors and their significance in the artwork being submitted. With global acknowledgement and the need for societal change driven by racial injustice hi-lighted by the Black lives Matter movement, entrants were given the following criteria:
“Flight Logistics as a company and the selectors collectively and individually care deeply about inclusivity, diversity, sustainability and the environment – our artists should share these values and consider their subject matter accordingly. The messages carried by our vehicles are shared globally – both in the literal sense – throughout the UK and Europe and through our social media platforms. “
The selection committee had a really tough task reducing the original pool of participants down to 12 and then a final single artist!
The selection panel ultimately chose South African based artist Mathias Chirombo who was born in a family of Shona culture. His piece called “Mwari and the Angels” has stunning colour, depth, tone and texture – making it visually arresting in the first instance and because of a strong narrative particularly pertinent in 2020 – relatable across cultures, gender, age and race – a great image and message to be carried far and wide on ShipArt ArtOnWheels vehicle number 15!
Look out for ShipArt’s latest vehicle as there’s a competition running currently offering giveaways provided by Brand South Africa and Undiscovered Canvas, the details can be found on Flight Logistic Groups social media channels. Have a camera or mobile phone ready to capture a photo of it as it goes by!
Mathias Chirombo is represented by Nomaza Nongqunga Coupez at “Undiscovered Canvas” – a boutique agency based in France, promoting investment in and the profile of African Art globally www.undiscovered-canvas.com
The selection committee included Tracey Brown CEO Flight Logistics Group, Brendan Burns CEO of See.me, Charlotte Fletcher co-founder of Christies’ Young Collectors Club, Marine Tanguy founder of MTArt, and Nomaza Nongqunga Coupez founder of Undiscovered Canvas.
