Details

• Artist: Heidi Mraz
• Medium: Chromogenic on Aluminium Panel, Black Float Frame, Fine Art, Unique Edition
• Size: 30" x 45"
• Price: £8,500.00

Dedicated to preserving and uncovering automotive history, Heidi Mraz was inspired by a pivotal moment in Porsche's past when engineers discovered that dead gnats on the rear of the unstable 917 revealed insufficient airflow and downforce. This epiphany, credited to JWAE team manager John Horsman, would result in one of the greatest racing legends of all time and the overall winner at Le Mans both in 1970 and 1971.

Symbolically, butterflies draw a variety of parallels to the 917's story. They are lightweight insects, and just like the 917, they need to undergo a metamorphosis to mature.

"Aerodynamics by Entomology" is an assemblage portrait of one of the greatest known Porsche 917Ks, Chassis 917-022, which entered Hollywood stardom after its debut in the movie Le Mans starring Steve McQueen. The piece is made from approximately 1,000 paper butterflies and other insects, matching the iconic Gulf car's blue and orange racing livery. Hand-cut, placed and pinned, the butterflies add poignant dimension and an illusion of movement to the artistic portrayal of the 917.