Hubert Phipps and ARES Modena Collaborate to Launch New Art Exhibition on view until January 31, 2022

2 minute read

The exhibition Hubert Phipps: Ascending is on view through January 31, and ushered in the arrival of the ARES S1 supercar model for its North American premiere during the run of the exhibition.

The paintings and sculptures by Phipps majestically surround the supercar model in the showroom, creating a striking effect.

A sculptor and painter, Phipps was also a national racecar champion, and he is also a pilot, coming up on his 50th anniversary as an aviator in the tradition of the Phipps family. The exhibition features several works born out of the artist’s love for acceleration and for aerodynamic forms.

“We chose these bold sculptures and artworks by Hubert Phipps to debut our first U.S. showroom, and to surround the ARES S1 supercar model for its North American premiere, because when experienced together they create a powerful fusion that supercharges the imagination,” said Mo Elarishy, of ARES Miami.

The tradition of coachbuilding is a form of artmaking going back 100 years, hand-crafting limited production vehicles for discerning customers,” adds Elarishy.

“The art of Hubert Phipps personifies the creative vision of ARES Modena’s coachbuilt vehicles, celebrated worldwide like commissioned works of art.”

“I am honored to have been invited by ARES Miami to present this collaboration,” said Hubert Phipps. “ARES is one of the world’s leading studios of high-performance design and stellar engineering, and this collaboration is igniting new inspirations in my artmaking.”

The title of this show reflects the growing national recognition of the artist (as museums and collectors across the country acquire his works), with Phipps’ history with racecars and aircraft. The exhibition debuted during the week of Art Basel in Miami when the global spotlight shined on this “Super Bowl of the art world.”

From 1979 to 1985, Phipps turned in solid performances in racecar driving, winning the SCCA Formula Atlantic National championship. He achieved wins in the Formula Atlantic Professional series at Willow Springs in 1984, and again in 1985.

His professional teammates included Danny Sullivan at Garvin Brown Racing in 1982 and Michael Andretti at Ralt America in 1983.

Phipps comes from a history-making family that boasts generations of aviators. He acquired his pilot’s license at the age of 16 and has logged more than 4,000 hours of flying time (he often pilots his Airbus Helicopter H-120 down to Florida from his artist studio in Virginia).

The new ARES S1 supercar model was flown from Italy to Miami, and has never been shown in North America. The one-of-a-kind, automotive work of art is the centerpiece for this exhibition, surrounded by sculptures and artworks by Phipps that are seen as a perfect fit with the creative aesthetic behind ARES Modena’s singular success in automotive design.

Only 24 versions of the ARES S1 supercar will be created in the entire world, each tailor-made to the client’s desires and taste, making each design unique. The ARES S1’s dramatic low-profile is similar to racing prototypes from the 70s and 80s.

Hand-crafted in carbon fiber, the curvaceous wheel arches, with sculptured side skirts and forward sitting cockpit, give a sleek yet aggressive stance.

The S1 is powered by a naturally aspirated V8 delivering power to the wheels via an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. The interior combines the finest Alcantara and Napa leather that is quilted in specific areas.