EMERGING MIDDLE EASTERN ARTIST DESIGNS ORIGINAL ARTWORK RACE CAR LIVERY
VUSE AND McLAREN RACING MARK WORLD FIRST AHEAD OF 2021 ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX
An emerging artist has had her work spotlighted for the world to see, featured on one of the fastest-moving canvases on earth.
McLaren Racing has today unveiled a one-off livery ahead of the FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX 2021, working with long-standing partner Vuse, the number one global vape brand to give creative control of the livery to an up-and-coming, female, UAE-based artist.
The design of McLaren Racing’s 2021 livery for the Abu Dhabi race marks the first time a piece of original art has appeared on a livery during a Grand Prixô and celebrates the first time a female artist from the Middle East has been given this kind of opportunity. The artist, Rabab Tantawy, has used her passion for union, community, and heritage to inspire and inform the artwork for the livery, incorporating her Nubian Series with McLaren Racing’s iconic papaya and blue colourway.
Driven by her love of art, Rabab taught herself different artistry techniques, ranging from traditional mediums like oil painting to modern approaches such as spray-paints. Featuring Rabab’s Nubian figures, the livery artwork represents togetherness and ‘the world as one’ – two themes Rabab is passionate about exploring in her work both on and off the canvas.
Working with the assistance of automotive media designer, Davide Virdis, Rabab’s work on the livery forms part of Vuse’s recently announced Driven by Change initiative, which sees grassroots creative talent given unparalleled opportunities in motorsport to showcase their work.
Rabab Tantawy comments: “Never would I have imagined being given an opportunity like this. Coming from a family of racing fans, seeing one of my original artworks racing on track is one of the most incredible things to happen in my career – and an even more amazing feat being the first female, Middle Eastern artist to do so.”
“Providing opportunities and platforms for unestablished artists in the Middle East is something I’m passionate about. Being named the first creative in Vuse’s Driven by Change initiative hopefully marks the first of many examples of up-and-coming creative talent in motorsport showcasing their work, passions and values on the world stage. I look forward to being a part of these moments for others.”
The Driven by Change initiative will see Vuse use their partnership with McLaren Racing to provide opportunities for other underrepresented creatives to champion their work and passions across various platforms. These creators from around the world will be offered opportunities like that of Rabab’s in Abu Dhabi from which they can help drive change within the world of motorsport.
John Beasley, Group Head of Brand Building, BAT, comments: “We want to really focus on providing support and opportunities for talent as we further champion the diversity of people and skills in the creative world. Rabab has been an incredible talent to work with for the launch of the programme, with her passion for diversity and togetherness, and artistic skill set to transform the track in Abu Dhabi. We look forward to working with Rabab further as she helps us continue to influence change in not only motorsport, but the creative industry as a whole.”
The initiative forms part of Vuse’s ongoing ambition to celebrate undiscovered creative talent, working with McLaren Racing to identify opportunities to bring their work to life, helping introduce creatives from diverse backgrounds to the masses. Rabab’s artwork will be featured at the final race of the year, the FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX 2021, taking place on Sunday 12 December, where Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo will race Rabab’s artwork around the famed final track of the season.
Vuse has previously worked with creatives in motorsport, including St. Petersburg’s artist, Ya La’ford, who painted an IndyCar for the Vuse Deign Challenge at the Firestone Grand Prixô earlier this year.
Vuse also engaged streetwear brand Undefeated, who designed the bespoke livery for the No.7 Vuse Arrow McLaren SP Chevrolet for the 2021 Indianapolis 500.
To discover more about Rabab’s story, visit Vuse and Rabab’s social channels. Further information on the Driven by Change initiative and how creatives can get involved will be shared in 2022.
