The inaugural, edition-zero Speed festival in 2023 brought together many exceptional figures from the worlds of motoring and art. Among them was Nelly Pacourková, an artist whose work combines a passion for painting and cars. Her paintings enriched the festival and left a deep impression on visitors.
Nelly Pacourková is known for her unique approach to painting, which brings together her love of cars and artistic talent. “For me, painting is a way to discover inner emotions and create unforgettable stories,” says Nelly. Her inspiration comes from adrenaline-filled experiences behind the wheel and a deep love of cars that has been with her since childhood.
“My passion for cars and painting cars goes back many years. Just as I enjoy the rush of adrenaline while driving, I experience those same feelings in front of a blank canvas. In a way, painting is as exciting for me as driving on a circuit,” Nelly adds. This parallel between driving and painting forms the basis of her work, in which every painting captures not only a car's aesthetic qualities but also the emotions and atmosphere it radiates.
Just as I enjoy the rush of adrenaline while driving, I experience those same feelings in front of a blank canvas.
Each of Nelly's works is more than just a picture of a car: it is a story carrying the emotions and strength the car evokes in her. “Every painting I create is a unique story connected to the emotions the car arouses in me. My aim is to capture not only the beauty of the car, but also its soul and strength, which I transfer to the canvas,” Nelly explains. This ability to capture the essence and energy of cars on canvas makes her work so exceptional.
The edition-zero Speed festival, to which Nelly Pacourková lent her paintings, was an unforgettable experience for everyone involved. Nelly's artworks contributed to the festival's unique atmosphere and allowed visitors to explore a deeper connection between art and motoring.
For me, every car is a work of art.
“My paintings are not merely static pictures of cars; they are living stories of adventure and a love of driving. When I paint, I try to capture not only the beauty of cars, but also the atmosphere and emotions they radiate. For me, every car is a work of art, and I try to put all the feelings and impressions that come to mind when I look at them into my paintings,” says Nelly. Her style is characterised by dynamism and diversity, which is also reflected in the free evolution of her works.
When Nelly stands in front of a completed exhibition, it means much more to her than simply presenting art; it is a celebration of all the moments that have shaped her and her work. “Paintings and art in general are full of emotions, energy and the artist as a person: their nature, character and who they are. There are so many beautiful cars with personality, but icons are simply icons. Not just because of their appearance, but because of their character,” Nelly explains.
Nelly often lets her inspiration flow freely. “For example, at first I had no idea why I was buying a round canvas, but once I had it on the easel and looked at it for a while, the SL simply fitted there. Then there is the other scenario, as with Black & White Traction, when I suddenly had the painting before my eyes and all that remained was to transfer it to the canvas,” she says.
Thanks to artists such as Nelly Pacourková, the edition-zero Speed festival became a place where art and motoring meet in a harmonious and inspiring symbiosis. Nelly's presence and her paintings helped the festival leave an unforgettable mark on visitors' memories.