What does your car say about you? A global portrait of people and their rides, from Shanghai to Santa Monica
In my novels, I rarely write about generic vehicles like 'a car' or 'a van'. Instead, I specify the make and model with precision. This is because, despite being a non-driver, I'm fascinated by cars, perhaps due to my extensive experience riding in London's minicabs. These rides often spark conversations about cars, and I've learned a lot from them.
I believe the type of car you drive is a reflection of your personality and values, much like your clothing or home decor. Even unassuming mid-range cars like the Toyota Prius, Kia Picanto, or Volkswagen Jetta convey a subtle message about their owner's choices.
Martin Roemers' Homo Mobilis, a series of photographs featuring people and their vehicles, supports this idea. Roemers has traveled globally, capturing diverse vehicles in various countries, including the US, India, Ukraine, Senegal, the Czech Republic, China, and the Netherlands. His collection includes cars, trucks, campervans, invalid trikes, handcarts, minibuses, ice-cream vans, tractors, road-rollers, donkey-carts, motorbikes, and hearses.
Roemers' innovative approach is to remove the geographical and urban context of the vehicles in his photographs, inspired by Richard Avedon's 1985 series, In the American West. By using a white backdrop, he focuses attention on the vehicle and its owner, creating a unique and unsettlingly graphic effect. This technique elevates the vehicles to the status of art installations, making even dilapidated cars intriguing and beautiful.
The author also ponders the potential expansion of Roemers' work to include wealthier car owners, such as soccer moms in SUVs, executive chauffeurs in luxury cars, or boy racers in exotic supercars. This thought-provoking question highlights the success of the photographic series, leaving readers curious about its potential evolution.
Stephen Bayley's book, Death Drive, emphasizes the talismanic quality of cars, stating that they evoke more emotions than any other manufactured object. Roemers' Homo Mobilis reinforces this idea, showing that the allure of a vehicle goes beyond price, design, or exclusivity. It's a powerful statement that 'we are whatever we drive'.
Homo Mobilis, published by Lannoo Publishers, is available for £50. To support the Guardian, readers can order a copy for £45 at guardianbookshop.com. Delivery charges may apply.
