The world of art cars recently got richer, as Fiat introduced a unique 500 that has been created by artist Malangatana Valente Ngwenya. The vehicle has been unveiled to inaugurate the opening of a new Fiat and Alfa Romeo dealership in Maputo, Mozambique.
Unfortunately, the Italian Woman (this is the vehicle’s name), is the famous Mozambican artist’s last creation, as he passed away on January 5, 2011. However, the vehicle will be auctioned off, with the proceeds being offered to the Malangatana Foundation, which assists Mozambicans in need.
"The recent death of Malangatana did not allow him to personally introduce his "Italian Woman" to the world. That task instead fell to those of us that were closely involved with the project and, in a small way, allowed us to pay homage to an all-time great Africa artist, an icon in the Mozambican cultural landscape and, above all, an extraordinary human being,” a spokesperson for the foundation said.
"The Italian Woman" is a crowning tribute to a memorable artist's fruitful life and serves to commemorate and perpetuate his name in space and time."
The project is based on a Fiat 500 1.4: the vehicle’s sides are decorated with a nature-inspired imagery, while the rear and the dashboard come with a special touch that includes Malangatana’s signature embossed in aluminum. The 500 art car will be auctioned online (you can visit this address to take part) between May 5 and June 6.
Unfortunately, the Italian Woman (this is the vehicle’s name), is the famous Mozambican artist’s last creation, as he passed away on January 5, 2011. However, the vehicle will be auctioned off, with the proceeds being offered to the Malangatana Foundation, which assists Mozambicans in need.
"The recent death of Malangatana did not allow him to personally introduce his "Italian Woman" to the world. That task instead fell to those of us that were closely involved with the project and, in a small way, allowed us to pay homage to an all-time great Africa artist, an icon in the Mozambican cultural landscape and, above all, an extraordinary human being,” a spokesperson for the foundation said.
"The Italian Woman" is a crowning tribute to a memorable artist's fruitful life and serves to commemorate and perpetuate his name in space and time."
The project is based on a Fiat 500 1.4: the vehicle’s sides are decorated with a nature-inspired imagery, while the rear and the dashboard come with a special touch that includes Malangatana’s signature embossed in aluminum. The 500 art car will be auctioned online (you can visit this address to take part) between May 5 and June 6.