“Art is a reflection of yourself. Not everyone will understand art the way you understand it,” says Berlin-based artist Cevin Parker.
If this is true, then any person may find meaning to cling to while viewing Parker's contemporary pieces. As a self-proclaimed emotional artist, Parker’s approach comes from a highly personal space. His signature style often incorporates bold colors and familiar figures to capture the feeling of a distinct moment.
Now, applying his dream-like approach to a new canvas, Parker teams up with McLaren to produce a 1-1 Artura.
It all started after Parker met with João Dias, the original designer of the McLaren Artura. Here, Parker got inspired by the vehicle's distinct shapes and curvatures – a practice reflected in many of his works as well. Parker then formed the design that has now manifested as a custom wrap blending from purple to yellow with a splash of color from the front tire to the back tire, a code synonymous with Parker's creations.
To better grasp this unlikely partnership came to life, we caught up with Parker ahead of the drop.
What work of art, music, or literature recently impressed you? Why?
Mark Rothko and the Colorfield artists of the 1950s are my greatest sources of inspiration. A sentence by Mark Rothko captivated me literarily: "I am only interested in expressing basic human emotions. And the fact that many people break down and cry when confronted with my paintings shows that I can convey those basic human emotions."
You are a self-taught artist, but if you could list your unofficial teachers in life who have contributed to the success of your artistic career, who or what would they be?
It was always difficult to look up to anyone because I don't have family around me or anyone to take me by the hand. A laugh can never be properly interpreted and is often a facade. I think that a lot of criticism and my inner peace have contributed to who I am today, as well as how my art and the story behind it are perceived and understood.
What was your first experience with McLaren? Have you always been a fan?
Formula 1. Back when we didn't have social media, we used to follow the action in front of the TV on Sundays, and when we were kids we watched Mika Häkkinen, Kimi Räikkönen, Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton win races.
To what extent do you identify with the classic associations associated with McLaren?
For me, history is always very important, and McLaren has an incredibly strong history of loyalty. Because there is always a big difference between someone telling a story and just telling a tale, and McLaren lives that story, without which McLaren would not be what it is today.
How did your experience driving the McLaren Artura affect your creative process?
Let me start by saying that I was fortunate enough to meet the designer of the Artura in person, who explained the entire design process to me. This allowed me to dive even deeper into the shape and dynamics of the design and develop a dynamic work of art for this car that works all its magic when driven.
As a self-proclaimed emotional artist, can you describe the emotions you associate with McLaren? How, if at all, did those emotions serve as the basis for your collaboration?
Emotions are moments that you either enjoy or dislike. I try to express my emotions in such moments and put them on a canvas. That's exactly what I did with the McLaren. I never thought I would ever get to sit in it or drive it. It triggered an abundance of happy hormones and reaffirmed my presence. I'm still happy every day that I've been given different opportunities in life that I can look back on with a smile.
What does it mean to you to work with McLaren?
Trust. People in the luxury segment don't often compromise, but McLaren trusted me, which I appreciated.
How has your experience working with McLaren changed your view of the brand or your approach to art?
Synergies evolve, possibly quickly or slowly. I think we inspire each other to think outside the box.
