Renowned First Nations artist Reko Rennie has turned a McLaren Artura into a high-speed canvas, blending bold Indigenous iconography with the sleek curves of the supercar.
The collaboration, spearheaded by Melbourne agency Whale and sponsored by Airwallex, debuts at the 2025 Formula 1 Louis Vuitton Australian Grand Prix, merging art, identity, and motorsport in a campaign that challenges traditional advertising.
Titled 鈥楢rt at Full Throttle鈥, the campaign features Reko鈥檚 vibrant, geometric designs adorning the McLaren Artura, a hybrid supercar known for its cutting-edge engineering, alongside an original art film directed by Reko 鈥 his first foray into brand-partnered filmmaking.
The project was unveiled on Wednesday by Melbourne-born McLaren driver Oscar Piastri, with public displays and a VIP launch event during this weekend鈥檚 Grand Prix.
Translating Rennie鈥檚 two-dimensional designs onto the three-dimensional form of the Artura was no small feat.
鈥淕etting a bold, flat artwork to sit naturally on a sculpted supercar is always a challenge,鈥 said Rachel Perry, co-founder of Whale.
鈥淲e worked closely with Reko and incredible partners to ensure the power and impact of his artwork translated seamlessly onto the car鈥檚 curves,鈥 she added, noting that the result is a dynamic fusion of art and engineering that feels like an extension of the car鈥檚 design rather than an addition.
鈥淎irwallex gave Reko complete creative freedom, which was huge.鈥
She added, 鈥淭he film feels like an extension of his work, not just a campaign asset,鈥 noting that Reko鈥檚 film delves into themes of identity and visibility, reflecting his signature style while embracing the high-performance world of Formula 1.
The intimate, reflective production process allowed the film to unfold organically, resulting in a piece that stands on its own as art.
The campaign also reflects Reko鈥檚 personal connection to high-performance cars, which have long been a symbol of power and visibility in his work.
鈥淒riving has always been part of his creative identity,鈥 Rachel said.
鈥淭his project brought together his love of driving, his artistic voice, and the idea of making a bold statement through movement and design.鈥
Beyond the Grand Prix, Reko鈥檚 artistry will take to Melbourne鈥檚 streets with a tram wrap and a public display of the Artura, inviting fans and art enthusiasts to engage with the work firsthand.
鈥淭his isn鈥檛 just a campaign,鈥 Rachel said.
鈥淚t鈥檚 a celebration of art, identity, and innovation 鈥 one that we hope will inspire others to push boundaries in their own work.鈥