Xtraordinary Art: Mandy Maker

I commissioned 3 artists from different fields to create 3 artworks for the all new Kia Xceed based on the theme 'X marks the spot'. This was set builder Mandy Smith's awesome contribution. Mandy's first impression of the car was it's lights. 'They reminded me of my first visit to Piccadilly Circus and the shining brilliance of all the neon signs there.' She decided to create an X shaped tunnel of neon lights, inspired by the dynamic lines of the all-new Kia Xceed, which suggest movement and purpose even when at rest. They recede into the distance to echo how far the vehicle has to travel and the pleasurable anticipation of the road ahead. 'Neon is old glamour but it's classy', she says. 'Yet this is a very modern take on glamour. I'd never worked with neon before so it was an exciting departure. I love using bright colours, reflections and inventive lighting.' The final set build was photographed on a black perspex surface by Luke Kirwan to highlight the vibrant reflections of the installation and showcase the car driving through it. The artwork was published in The Sunday Times Magazine on October 13th.