Daniel Arsham x Hot Wheels Collide Once More With Eroded-Looking Toy Cars
Image courtesy of Mattel Creations
Mattel and Daniel Arsham have shifted Hot Wheels into an artistic gear, having teamed up to transform eight classic 1:64-scale models and accessories into miniature masterpieces. The creative joyride kicked off in October—the first of four drops the pair has dubbed “Laps.” Now, the second Lap is around the corner.
Image courtesy of Mattel Creations
Arsham, known for his expansive work in various mediums, often delves into a concept he calls “fictional archaeology.” His art imagines contemporary objects as they might be discovered in a distant future. This unique perspective now brings a fresh, eroded wabi-sabi look to the world of Hot Wheels.
Image courtesy of Mattel Creations
The contemporary artist’s penchant for unusual materials finds a new playground in this tie-in. To capture his distinctive eroded detailing on such a tiny scale, Mattel Creations delved into its material trove and chose Silkstone. This modern composite, known for its porcelain-like appearance and used in premium Barbie dolls, now gives life to 1:64-scale cars for the first time.
The initial Lap turned heads with crystalized, eroded versions of the iconic Rodger Dodger and a Porsche 930 Turbo.
Gearing up for the second release dropping on December 8, collectors can anticipate two more intriguing additions.
Image courtesy of Mattel Creations
There’s a reimagined Deora II, a member of Hot Wheels’ esteemed ‘Original Sweet 16’ castings from 1968, now sporting a crystalized, eroded look.
Image courtesy of Mattel Creations
Image courtesy of Mattel Creations
The other special-edition model is a miniature replica of Arsham’s own Porsche 356 Speedster. This miniaturized model captures the unique welding lines and weathered feel of Arsham’s personal vehicle, and even includes an interior that nods to its unique denim upholstery.
Image courtesy of Mattel Creations
Image courtesy of Mattel Creations
Image courtesy of Mattel Creations
This two-year journey between Arsham Studio and Mattel Creations has been a melding of Arsham’s material experimentation with the timeless appeal of Hot Wheels.
Image courtesy of Mattel Creations
“Mattel Creations is bringing together two Legends—Hot Wheels and Daniel Arsham, to blur the lines between toys and art by curating a one-of-a-kind collection for our fans,” Ted Wu, vice president and global head of design for vehicles at Mattel, shared in October.
Image courtesy of Mattel Creations
“Over the two-year collaboration, it was a unique design challenge to bring Daniel’s iconic aesthetic to Hot Wheels scale and the result is something we believe both Arsham and Hot Wheels fans will love.”
Image courtesy of Mattel Creations
Image courtesy of Mattel Creations
Details of the remaining two Laps are yet to be revealed, with announcements expected closer to their launches.
Image courtesy of Mattel Creations
[via Mattel Creations, images courtesy]
