Associated with everything young, hip and trendy, MINI cars once again pushed the ‘cool’ factor to the extreme at a party this week. They recently commissioned artist Graham Knuttell to paint a MINI and unveiled the finished piece at the Gallery of Photography in Temple Bar on Tuesday evening.
Encapsulating the true spirit of MINI, the one-off car is a vibrant expression of Knuttell’s work, with vivid colours and his trademark faces adorning the body. A long time fan of the car (he’s owned several throughout the years) he wanted to portray the sense of adventure that begins with owning one. And he’s in good company too - other creatives who have customised MINI cars include Donatella Versace, Mario Testino and Missoni.
Among the guests admiring the art on wheels were TV presenter Sile Seoige, Ben Bringer and Emily O’Donnell, Marisa Mackle, top chef Dylan McGrath of Mint Restaurant and Dee Breen of Harvey Nichols. Maria Fusco, who recently closed her popular Ave Maria fashion boutique, was also there and informed me of her plans to open a new wine bar.
The Graham Knuttel MINI will visit dealerships throughout the country over the coming months and, according to brand manager Nicola Bissett, will then be auctioned for charity.
