MINI RECHARGED X LAKWENA: A CELEBRATION OF CULTURE.
Lakwena, 36, has redesigned a classic Mini (built in 1986 and specially selected by MINI according to Lakwena’s year of birth) to create an electrifying new work of art. And it’s not only visually impressive. Lakwena’s Mini is an ambassador for the MINI Recharged project, where we convert classic Minis into modern-day electric ones – sustainable upcycling, you could say. We interviewed Lakwena to learn more about her story, her work and the inspiration behind her magnificent Mini.
- How did it feel when you first saw your electrified classic Mini?
I thought it looked incredible. It was so nice to see the colours all working, the interior, the exterior. I saw bits as it progressed, but to see it all together is so special. Because it started with a drawing. And that was just me imagining how I’d like the car to look, almost like a dream car. Just drawing it with my pen and pencil on the paper. But to see it now in the flesh is incredible.
- The classic Mini is iconic while your art is incredibly bold. Is that a clash?
I think there’s some clash and some harmony. I like the fact the Mini is this iconic and classic car and all those touches are still there; we haven’t concealed that or put plastic on top of it. So the original is still there, but we injected it with a bit of colour. I think altogether the clash really works.
- As part of the MINI Recharged project, what are your thoughts on sustainability?
I’m really happy to be part of this project because it feels very important. It’s really responding to what our world needs right now, which is actual change. Changes away from things that damage the environment to things that are sustainable. I’m just happy to be part of it because it’s genuinely meaningful. It’s gonna make a difference. And, for big brands like MINI to be making changes is really powerful because it will have a big impact on others in the industry.
- What does sustainable mobility mean to you?
It’s moving and driving without causing damage to the environment in a way that sustains our environment rather than damaging it. To make sure the world will be good and healthy for our children, grandchildren and for the future. So it’s about making changes that are good for the environment.
- What are the ideas behind the slogans you’ve used?
It says ‘BIG LOVE’ on both sides. On the front it says ‘we are here’ and on the back it says ‘you were there’. It speaks about travelling, it talks about migration. There is this phrase which is quite well known that says, ‘we are here because you were there’. It’s referencing colonialism and empire and migration. And the fact that British culture is so influenced by the journeys people have taken, and that people from former colonies are all in this country. And the different ways that we have enriched the culture. Culture is this mish-mash of different things. And I think that’s a very beautiful thing, something I want to celebrate. And I want to celebrate all the different journeys people have been on and that brought them to this place.
- Do you have a personal connection to MINI?
My family had a Mini back in the day, and my older sister learned to drive in a classic Mini. So, my dad taught her, and she and him would be in the front, and me and my siblings would be in the back. And we just were her audience when she was learning to drive.
