Bentley Americas has announced a groundbreaking collaboration with world-renowned tattoo artist Keith “Bang Bang” McCurdy, whose unique tattoo designs have earned him global acclaim. McCurdy, the founder of the Bang Bang Tattoo studio in New York City, is known for his iconic ink work on some of the world’s most famous personalities. The partnership marks an exciting foray into the world of innovative art and luxury design.
At the heart of this collaboration is the unveiling of a revolutionary tattoo ink technology, dubbed Magic Ink, which allows users to “turn on” and “turn off” their tattoos through specific wavelengths of light. This innovation enables clients to alter the image on their skin at will, a feat previously unimaginable in the tattoo world.
The collaboration kicked off with the debut of a one-of-a-kind art car, revealed during Miami Art Week 2024. This bespoke Bentley features a UV-activated design, combining the creative forces of Bentley’s design experts and Bang Bang’s artistry. The car’s unique appearance showcases the synergy between two leaders in their respective fields, both renowned for transforming personal visions into exceptional works of art.
With over 35 artists across 15 countries, Bang Bang and his team have built a reputation for immortalizing personal stories through their tattoos. The process shares similarities with Bentley’s Mulliner division, the automaker’s bespoke arm, which creates one-off luxury vehicles tailored to the desires of individual clients.
“This collaboration offers an exciting exploration of artistic customization in a completely new medium,” said Bang Bang. “Bentley offers a canvas as luxurious and transformative as my tattoo art, and together, we’ve created a masterpiece that celebrates the essence of individuality in motion.”
Mike Rocco, President and CEO of Bentley Americas, echoed this sentiment: “Bentley has always pushed the boundaries of craftsmanship, personalization, and performance. This collaboration with Bang Bang is a prime example of how we continue to blend artistry and innovation to redefine bespoke luxury.”
Exclusive Art Reveal at Miami Art Week
The collaboration was officially revealed at the Bentley Art in Motion showcase during Miami Art Week 2024, where attendees were immersed in a multi-sensory experience featuring projection mapping and UV light installations. A Bentley Bentayga EWB served as the canvas for the exclusive design, which was co-created by Bang Bang and Bentley Mulliner’s design team.
Rich Morris, Design Consultant for Bentley Mulliner, described the creative process behind the vehicle’s design: “The car’s front end features sharp, tessellated shapes on the bonnet, symbolizing the tension and anticipation of embarking on a journey. As you move along the car, the design evolves into a fluid, structured ripple pattern, reminiscent of water droplets, while also incorporating Bentley’s signature Azure diamond motif. This seamless transition reflects the change in emotion from stress to tranquility as one reaches their destination in a Bentley.”
Bang Bang’s influence, however, injects an entirely different energy into the vehicle’s design, evoking the dynamic performance of Bentley’s Speed range. During the reveal, ultraviolet “black lights” illuminated striking, animalistic artwork, representing the unleashed potential of the car. This vibrant imagery contrasts and complements Bentley’s signature elegance, symbolizing the harmony between power and grace.
The Future of Customization
The collaboration between Bentley and Bang Bang represents a bold new frontier in automotive and artistic customization. In 2025, the partnership will continue, offering Bentley clients the opportunity to incorporate their personal stories into a fully customized, one-of-a-kind vehicle. From meaningful imagery to cherished memories, this collaboration invites clients to transform their Bentley into a personalized masterpiece that embodies their identity.
This cutting-edge fusion of tattoo artistry and luxury automotive design sets a new standard for bespoke experiences, blending personal expression with automotive excellence.
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