Lexus Unveils Installation by Marjan Van Aubel at ICA Miami

Lexus has unveiled “8 Minutes and 20 Seconds,” an installation by Dutch solar designer Marjan van Aubel displayed within the sculpture garden at the Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami (ICA Miami).

“Brimming with life and color,” the solar sculpture reimagines the Lexus Future Zero-emission Catalyst (LF-ZC) concept car as an interactive experience through van Aubel’s trademark use of solar cells, the company announced. “8 Minutes and 20 Seconds” marks van Aubel’s first public project in Miami and has been realized through design development by spatial and experience design firm Random Studio.

Named in reference to the time it takes sunlight to reach the earth, “8 Minutes and 20 Seconds” uses organic photovoltaics (OPV), third-generation solar cells that are transparent and rich with color, to translate the LF-ZC into a graphic pattern design, in a true-to-size representation of the concept car.

Officials described the installation as one that “awakens to the presence of viewers as they move around it and explore different perspectives. Four individual motion sensors spark light to bounce and ripple like water across the installation’s base, which represents the car’s EV platform. At unexpected intervals, the installation springs to life in an ephemeral spectacle—light cascades across it as a melody crescendos, mirroring the dynamics of the car in motion and offering a sensory glimpse into the energy of driving. As the day progresses, the warm, sunrise hues reflecting throughout the OPV sheets give way to cooler tones.”

Throughout the day, the sculpture harnesses solar power, drawing energy from the OPV sheets. The solar cells accumulate energy into batteries discreetly nestled within the sculpture’s base. The continual absorption eventually culminates, storing a reservoir of solar-derived power to help sustain the sculpture’s captivating displays and features.

“It’s been a joy to bring the LF-ZC concept car to life,” said van Aubel. “Lexus’s ethos towards innovation, craftsmanship, and new material use resonates with my design practice. This installation invites people to interact with light and color and engages them to imagine a more sustainable, positive future. Through this partnership, I could tell a new narrative of generating energy beautifully.”

The display marks Lexus’ second year partnering with ICA Miami and the brand’s sixth immersive experience during Miami Art & Design Week.

Van Aubel previously worked with Lexus as a mentor to the winners of the 2023 Lexus Design Award, which provides mentorships and development support for emerging designers around the world to create new products that build towards a better future.

“We are honored to work with a solar design pioneer as esteemed as Marjan van Aubel. Her singular vision and expertise have built a remarkable installation that illuminates the design essence of the LF-ZC concept and her dedication to human-first, sustainable design is something we share and value dearly. It’s thrilling to see this sculpture come alive in the garden at ICA Miami,” said Brian Bolain, Lexus’ global head of marketing.