VW, Porsche, and Dodge as Spheres: Art that Amazes

American artist Lars Fisk has gained worldwide fame for his unusual approach to automotive themes: he transforms well-known models like VW, Porsche, and Dodge into perfect spheres. Discover how cars become works of art and why this inspires car enthusiasts.

In the world of automotive art, there aren't many truly original ideas capable of surprising even seasoned car enthusiasts. But American artist Lars Fisk managed to do the impossible: he turned iconic cars into perfect geometric spheres, which became true art objects and sparked discussions among car fans around the world.

Fisk is known for taking everyday objects and rethinking their forms by turning them into spheres. His collection includes not only cars but also trash cans, pencils, tiny houses, and even a Costco parking lot, all turned into spheres. However, it's the automotive "spheres" that attract the most interest from car enthusiasts.

One of the most recognizable projects is the VW Ball. This is not another Pokeball but a reimagined Volkswagen Type 2 reduced to two body colors, a seat, a steering wheel, an instrument panel, and side doors. The front part of the sphere immediately reveals the legendary car: distinctive V-shaped trim, round headlights, and the VW logo on the "hood." Even the windshield wipers are in place, adding charm and authenticity.

For speed enthusiasts, Fisk created the BMW Ball and Porsche Ball. Although pinpointing the exact BMW model is challenging, the brand's logo on the steering wheel leaves no doubt. The Porsche Ball looks a bit sad, as if lamenting its fate to become a sphere rather than a sports car. Nevertheless, the recognizable features of Porsche are preserved, bringing a smile to anyone familiar with the brand.

In 2014, the collection was expanded with the Dodge Ball, inspired by classic 1980s Dodge vans. Matte golden paint and wooden side inserts make this sphere particularly atmospheric. Inside are five seats and a central lever that resembles a joystick. This sphere has no doors, and a Ford label inexplicably adorns the grille, adding an element of mystery.

Fisk did not stop with passenger cars. His collection includes spheres dedicated to John Deere, Mister Softee, UPS, school buses, and other vehicles. In total, the artist has held over 40 exhibitions, each surprising with a fresh perspective on everyday objects. Among the unusual works are a sphere resembling tree bark and spheres depicting various road surfaces, such as a Costco parking lot or cobblestone streets.

This approach to art inspires not only viewers but also other artists. For instance, Indonesian sculptor Ichwan Noor also creates car spheres, but his works are more "raw": he literally crushes real cars into spheres with protruding parts — wheels, bumpers, and so on. Unlike Fisk, who often crafts parts himself, Noor uses original parts and enhances them with bronze, stainless steel, aluminum, and resin.

The price of such art objects depends on the size and fame of the creator. Small works by Fisk can be purchased for around $3,000, while Ichwan Noor's creations are valued at over 100,000 pounds sterling (approximately $134,000). Some of Fisk's works have even become popular desk souvenirs.

Car spheres are not merely unusual tuning or design experiments. They are a way to look at familiar things from a new angle, contemplate shapes, meanings, and boundaries of car culture. Perhaps such projects will inspire future engineers and designers to create even bolder and more innovative cars. How do you feel about such art? Would you like to see your favorite car as a perfect sphere?