Members of the car enthusiast community consider many automobiles to be art on wheels. But beyond that philosophy, some artists actually use cars as part of their work.
When art and history come together, good things usually happen. Ahead of its inaugural show in the Big Apple, Rétromobile New York announced a partnership with CART Department, the initiative founded by art collector Larry Warsh. The collaboration will present 'art cars' and related works at the Rétromobile show, taking place November 19–22, 2026, at the Javits Center in New York City.
Rétromobile's focus on automotive history and the CART Department’s artistic expression via automobiles will combine to offer a compelling exhibition. Drawing from Warsh’s sizable collection, it will examine the connections between cars, art, and popular culture through works associated with recognized artists and cultural figures.
The collection includes Keith Haring’s 1971 Series III Land Rover Defender, covered in the artist’s signature graphic imagery and blending elements from his 1983 Montreux Jazz Festival poster. Another highlight is the 2004 Maybach 57, which featured in Jay-Z’s “Otis” music video. The car's transformed into a custom muscle car offers a unique take on modifications and makes it a distinct cultural object.
Also included are a BMW with thousands of LEGO bricks by Ai Weiwei and Shepard Fairey’s 1937 Packard 115C Touring Sedan, with imagery that explores a variety of themes including wealth, power, and consumption. Other pieces planned for the display include works by Daniel Arsham, Esther Mahlangu, Damien Hirst, Kenny Scharf, Richard Prince, Olafur Eliasson, Zaha Hadid, Jeff Koons and Barbara Kruger.
Gérard Neveu, CEO of Rétromobile New York, described the collaboration as a meeting of automotive artistry and contemporary art in a city well suited to bringing both worlds together. What better place for such a display than the state with more than 16,000 registered vintage cars?
CART Department's key goal is to explore the automobile beyond its primary function as a mode of transportation. That's done through the lenses of identity and contemporary culture. Larry Warsh brings more than 30 years of international art-world experience to the project. He has more than 70 one-of-a-kind art cars connected with well-known artists.
The Rétromobile collaboration will also introduce CART X, described by Warsh as a new hybrid global event combining cars, art, music and fashion and considering the automobile within a wider lifestyle and popular-culture context.
Rétromobile New York marks the first U.S. edition of the Paris exhibition that has drawn enthusiasts since 1976. Presented in partnership with Richard Mille, the four-day event will feature around 200 exhibitors and programming spanning automotive heritage, craftsmanship, design, culture, fine art, photography, watches, and other collectibles.
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