Monochromatic is the name of a new art car collaboration between Alpine and photographer Mathieu Cesar, who specialises in black and white imagery. He has become one of the world’s leading experts in working with light, shade, shadows and contrast to create stunning images that rely on no colour at all.
For Alpine’s part in the joint venture, the French sports car company has created an A110 S that plays into Cesar’s hands by being finished in monochrome colours both inside and out. Grey and white highlights break up what would otherwise be an all-black interpretation of the lightweight two-seater.
Mathieu Cesar said: “My world is largely one of passion and childhood influences that I perpetuate and try to bring to life through mostly black-and-white photographs. Cars are the result of human ingenuity. The object brings people together while remaining universal. That’s what we’re trying to achieve with our Monochromatic project with the Alpine designers.” Aside from photography, Cesar has been a life-long car enthusiast.
In any colour, the A110 has a simple form, inspired by the original A110 Berlinette, that reflects its focus as a pure sports car. Alpine says that the simple palette transforms the car into a ‘veritable work of art’ and emphasise how the treatment refines every line and detail of the car.
The colour gradients were originally conceived at a first meeting between the Alpine design team and Cesar earlier this year. They worked on the transition zones in white shading to create a graphic impression that highlights the car’s shape. Inside, white upper sections contrast with the black lower parts while 3D printed backrests and door trims add lightness and transparency to the interior.
Alpine Design Director Antony Villain said: “This collaboration was a dialogue between two arts: Mathieu’s world of photography and our automotive expertise. It represents a perfect fusion of our shared vision of performance and elegance. The creation of the A110 Monochromatic is not just about materials and textures, but also about passion and emotion.”
Monochromatic was revealed at an event attended by 300 guests and is the fourth in an annual series of Alpine art cars. It follows A110 S by Felipe Pantone in 2021, the A110 Sastruga by the Obvious Collective in 2022 and the A110 Metamorphosis by Arne Quinze in 2023.
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