Paul Oz's longstanding partnership with McLaren embodies his expertise in immortalizing the legacy of Formula One through explosive impasto paintings and hyper-realistic bronze sculptures. Inspired by the team's rich history of innovation and triumph, Oz crafts artworks that pulsate with the velocity and drama of the circuit, using thick layers of oil paint to create tactile, three-dimensional effects that echo the aerodynamic prowess of McLaren's cars. His collection features tributes to the team's iconic drivers, blending vibrant colors and metallic elements to convey the sheer force of acceleration and the elegance of engineering. This body of work underscores Oz's fusion of contemporary art techniques with motorsport heritage, offering collectors a visceral connection to McLaren's storied achievements.
The drive behind Oz's McLaren creations originates from his profound admiration for the synergy between driver skill and mechanical ingenuity in racing. He is particularly captivated by legends such as Ayrton Senna and Lewis Hamilton, whose extraordinary careers inspire his detailed portrayals. For example, Oz's renditions of Senna highlight the Brazilian's unparalleled focus and speed, employing dynamic poses and fiery hues to represent pivotal moments like his rain-soaked victories. In contrast, his Hamilton pieces capture the British champion's record-breaking dominance, integrating modern motifs like rainbow helmets to symbolize diversity and excellence. These artworks stem from Oz's firsthand experiences at races, where the atmosphere of innovation and competition sparks his artistic vision.
A notable chapter in Oz's McLaren narrative is his ambitious project to sculpt bronze monuments for each of the team's world champions, a decade-long endeavor beginning with figures like Bruce McLaren and evolving to include Senna's life-size effigies. One remarkable tale involves the creation of the "Senna Eau Rouge" sculpture, where Oz posed in a replica suit after losing weight to match Senna's physique for accurate 3D scanning, resulting in a 700lb bronze now at McLaren's headquarters. Another is the "Senna La Rascasse," cast from melted-down magnesium wheels of historic McLaren cars, overcoming a dramatic foundry fire during production. For enthusiasts, key items include signed prints of Lewis Hamilton starting at around £445, while hand-embellished canvases like the Senna McLaren are priced from £1,295, and limited bronze editions reach up to £28,000, encapsulating McLaren's enduring spirit.
