Sport
GIANT MEXICAN KIWI SCULPTURE SPOTTED OUTSIDE McLAREN RACING
Honouring Mexican tradition, and partner have unveiled an unprecedented bright and celebratory 8-foot-tall Kiwi in the style of traditional Mexican folk art, alebrije, based on designs by the sculptor from Oaxaca, Mexico . Perched at the iconic headquarters of The McLaren F1 Team, just in time for the FORMULA 1 GRAN PREMIO DE LA CIUDAD DE MÉXICO, Luis Pablo's bold paintwork gives the Kiwi a new lease of life.
The larger-than-life installation, which is visible until after the Mexican Grand Prix weekend, is a recreation of smaller scale alebrije Kiwis that Luis has handmade and gifted to The McLaren F1 Team. Putting Mexican folk art on a pedestal in time for Luis' home race and drawing attention to the role that culture and heritage plays in his work, the eye-catching design is an assembly of three worlds; Vuse's drive to champion emerging creatives, Luis's passion and creative talent in alebrije artwork and The McLaren F1 Team's heritage in New Zealand .
True to Vuse's ethos, the brand has taken Luis's artwork to the next level creating a larger-than-life celebratory Kiwi. In partnership with Jahee Campbell-Brennan , Director, at Wavey Dynamics, Luis's smaller-scale Kiwi has been 3D scanned to become an 8-foot CNC milled sculpture made from a similar type of high-density foam to those used as core materials within carbon fibre wings, floors, wishbones and other structures in F1 cars where it acts to provide further stiffness and strength. The bespoke Kiwi sculpture marks the latest activity as part of Vuse's Driven by Change programme alongside The McLaren F1 Team which supports the creative class by offering underrepresented artistic talent the opportunity to showcase their passion and work on one of the world's biggest and most high-profile stages – elite motorsport.
Luis has a deep passion for alebrijes, a traditional form of Mexican folk art, which combines intricate carvings depicting animals, people, objects, and imaginary creatures painted with intense colours and vibrant patterns. Driven by his creative pursuits, over the years, Luis has mastered his craft to become a guardian of Mexican folk art, which is showcased by his impressive collection of intricately designed alebrijes. Through his sculptures, he hopes to represent and shine a spotlight on this traditional form of Mexican art which is steeped in history; inspiring others to embrace and share their own cultural traditions.
In homage to their founder, racing driver Bruce McLaren , New Zealand's national bird, the Kiwi, has become embedded in The McLaren F1 Team's mantra, embracing spirit, perseverance, and pursuit of better. Luis has reimagined the flightless bird, decorating it with the iconic papaya and blue colourway of The McLaren F1 Team to symbolise the passion that comes from being proud of your background, the diligence that comes with the belief in your abilities and the ongoing drive to follow your dreams.
Vuse is committed to supporting the creative industries. The Driven by Change initiative forms part of Vuse's legacy and ambition to accelerate the creative pursuits of underrepresented artists across the globe. Working with their partner, The McLaren F1 Team, Vuse's Driven by Change programme identifies new opportunities to bring their work to life, helping introduce creatives from diverse backgrounds to the masses. Luis's large-scale alebrije Kiwi will be showcased at McLaren Racing from today until after the FORMULA 1 GRAN PREMIO DE LA CIUDAD DE MÉXICO 2022 on Sunday 31 October.
To discover more about Luis's story and the Driven by Change initiative visit Vuse and Luis's social channels.
BAT is a leading, multi-category consumer goods business with a purpose to build A Better Tomorrow™ by reducing the health impact of its business through offering a greater choice of enjoyable and less risky products for adult consumers.
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McLaren Racing was founded by New Zealand racing driver Bruce McLaren in 1963. The team entered its first Formula 1 race in 1966, since then McLaren has won 20 Formula 1 world championships, more than 180 Formula 1 grands prix, the Indianapolis 500 three times, and the Le Mans 24 Hours at its first attempt.
The team competes in the FIA Formula 1 World Championship with Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo , the NTT INDYCAR Series with Arrow McLaren SP drivers Pato O'Ward and Felix Rosenqvist , and the Extreme E Championship with Emma Gilmour and Tanner Foust . McLaren will compete in Season Nine of the FIA Formula E World Championship in 2022/23.
McLaren was the first F1 team to be awarded the Carbon Trust Standard in 2010 and has retained it since on a bi-annual basis, most recently in February 2021 . The team was also the first in F1 to be given the FIA Sustainability Accreditation Award at a three-star level in 2013 as part of the FIA Environmental Certification framework, before becoming a signatory to the UN Sports for Climate Action Commitment in 2021.
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