Lexus USA whisked me away to Miami Design Week, where I got to dive into the unveiling of “8 Minutes and 20 Seconds,” a mind-blowing installation cooked up by the brilliant Dutch solar guru, Marjan van Aubel. Nestled snugly in the sculpture garden at the Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami (ICA Miami), this masterpiece breathes fresh mojo into the Lexus LF-ZC (aka the Future Zero-emission Catalyst) with van Aubel’s solar wizardry. Teaming up with the esteemed Random Studio, she’s flexing her creative muscles in Miami for the first time, and boy, does she make a splash!
Dubbed after the time it takes sunlight to hit earth, “8 Minutes and 20 Seconds” rocks Organic Photovoltaics (OPV), the latest solar jazz that’s both see-through and a kaleidoscope of colors. It’s like the LF-ZC is rocking a rad graphic pattern design on steroids!
This ain’t your average art piece—it’s interactive! It vibes with you as you stroll around, thanks to motion sensors that set off a dazzling dance of lights, mimicking water ripples. And when you least expect it, BAM! It’s like an explosion of colors, mirroring the energy of a joy ride, from sunrise to sunset.
And guess what? This master piece powers up with sunlight, storing that sweet solar juice in hidden batteries to keep the party going all day long.
But wait, there’s more! There’s a chill vibe in the air, thanks to an ambient melody blending in with the surroundings. Strings, keys, and chimes serenade you, with birdsong adding to the harmony. And every now and then, you catch a whiff of woody bamboo notes, a nod to the LF-ZC’s eco-friendly interior.
This jaw-dropping installation isn’t just a one-night stand—it’s open to the public until December 17th! It’s Lexus’s second year teaming up with ICA Miami, bringing the heat to Miami Art & Design Week for the sixth time running.
Marjan van Aubel and Lexus make one heck of a power duo, showing off their commitment to sustainable swag in art and design. With her work gracing the halls of the MoMA, Vitra Design Museum, and more, van Aubel’s got the whole world buzzing with her innovative vibes.