Sculptor Disapproves F1 Racing Through Art

An Indonesian sculptor is using his work of art to express both what he thinks is wrong with Formula One racing and as a symbol of globalization. The artist in question is Pintor Sirait and his sculptures are stainless steel replicas of F1 race cars of all sizes.

These replicas are distorted, riddled with bullets, inscribed with Chinese and Arabic script, engraved with traditional Javanese designs or kisses, and covered in provocative English phrases and barcodes.

"I hate Formula One," Sirait told Reuters on Friday, the opening day of his latest exhibition in Singapore, which is the host of the world's only night-time Grand Prix race on September 25-27.

"It's loud, its obnoxious, but it's also something that excites people all over the world. For one reason or another, its become a symbol, something that people worship, and I wanted to explore exactly what is being worshipped," he said.

In Victory, Sirait created, crushed and then restored his car sculpture, which has wheels bearing the phrase "heaven and hell." The piece will be shown alongside a video installation featuring the artist's inspiration, a car crash and eventual victory of F1 driver Lewis Hamilton in the 2007 race.

Other examples are Playboy and Target, which symbolize the macho side of the F1 race and a playful take on the conventional ideal that “fast cars and fancy women” tend to go together.

"I want people to have some fun this race seasons, but also to think about what it all means," Sirait said. "When you make a case, don't do it with anger. Use ideas and intelligence."