The artist behind Arvid Lindblad's F1 helmet for Silverstone GP
Navinder (Nav) Nangla is a British-Indian graffiti artist, designer and stylist who designed the helmet that Racing Bulls driver Arvid Lindblad wore this weekend at the Silverstone Grand Prix. His work has been seen in major cities the likes of New York, Mumbai, Paris and Seoul, and he counts Michelle Lamy, Kris Van Assche, Mia Khalifa, and BOF’s Imran Ahmed, Nettspend and Amelia Gray amongst his many supporters.
How did the collaboration with Arvid Lindblad happen?
As Arvid is a British Indian like myself, and he’s dyslexic and so am I. That’s how and why they found me and then it only made sense for me to work with him, because yeah why not?
Have you ever considered working with cars or F1 before now?
I definitely wanted to work in Formula 1 because it’s another space, another avenue. There are a lot of high-net-worth clients in that world who get to see my art. I’d always wanted to work in Formula 1, and this was the most organic and perfect way it could have happened. Doing Arvid’s first race at his home track makes it even more special. I also live in Northampton, and Silverstone is in Northamptonshire, so it’s a really beautiful full-circle moment.
Where do you find most of your inspiration?
Most of the inspiration came from Arvid’s journey, starting as a three-year-old. He then made his way through the ranks and, I believe, got signed by Red Bull at the age of 16. He also scored his first Formula 1 points in Melbourne. The inspiration really came from his childlike belief that he was going to make it to Formula 1. I wanted the design to resemble a child’s drawing—something spontaneous, like a kid would naturally create—while keeping the imperfections in there to make it feel authentic and truly childlike.
What does F1 mean to you?
Driven by ‘pashion.’
Did you always consider brand collaborations as an artist?
Working with other brands was always on my mind because I didn’t want to be restricted to being a painter who only paints on canvases. Being able to work with different brands across different sectors allows you to use their resources in new and creative ways. My art is so universal that I didn’t want to shoot myself in the foot or gatekeep myself. Working with brands is a great way to reach new markets.
I’m a big fashion head, and I’ve always looked up to people like Andy Warhol, Basquiat, Keith Haring, Jun Takahashi, and brands like Undercover. Seeing all of these different creatives collaborate with other brands made me want to do the same myself. I just love creating. It can be done on a shoe, ceramics, or even an airplane. I’ve worked on a helmet—another canvas, and probably the fastest canvas ever made. If I didn’t work with other brands, I wouldn’t have been able to create and achieve all of these other cool things.
What’s been your favourite collab to work on ever?
I can’t lie, I’m a fashion head, and last season I got to collaborate with one of my favorite designers, Maison Mihara. The world knows I love Japanese design — I’m always into Japanese fashion. So when I saw that on the runway last June, it was crazy. But I feel like once I see the helmet at Silverstone, this Arvid helmet could be taking pole position for the number-one spot.
Words of wisdom for young artists out there?
No pun intended, but literally stay in your own lane. Do what the hell you want to do, and things will happen organically in your own time. Stay true to yourself. Don’t care about numbers. Don’t listen to the outside noise. Just do the things you want to do. I can’t stress this enough.
This interview was originally published on Jing Daily’s Cars and Culture newsletter in collaboration with CART Department. Subscribe here.
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