LÄUFT
About a year ago, I discovered photos in my family's photo archive in Mexico City that have profoundly influenced my ideas and projects ever since. The inspiration for this work comes from a photo in the family archive that shows my father in the 1980s with his first car, a VW Beetle, in Acapulco.
In Mexico, the VW Beetle, affectionately called "Vocho," has become an iconic element that has endured for decades. This small two-door German car was for many years a symbol of the taxi industry in Mexico City. However, in 2002, using Beetles as taxis was banned in the capital for safety reasons, leading to most of these cars being scrapped. Due to its low cost and high reliability, it has been, and still is, a popular car although many Mexicans do not know the origin and history of this car.
My project documents the continued presence of the German VW Beetle in Mexico. In certain areas of the country, the Vocho has survived, especially in cities like Oaxaca, Veracruz, and Mérida. This project explores how these originally German cars have found their place today, how they are used now, and what significance they hold in Mexican culture and society.
A central aspect of this project focuses on documenting the creativity of people in their interactions with this car, as well as the personal stories connected to these vehicles. This aims to stimulate discussions among viewers about various issues, such as the social status of the owners, economic inequality in Mexico, the accompanying political circumstances, and the evolution of cultural symbols.
Additionally, I have incorporated photographs from my family archive and other images found at flea markets to playfully illustrate how the Vocho became and remained an integral part of everyday life in Mexico over the years. Part of the project explores the metaphors associated with the VW in Mexico through analog collage techniques, as seen in the first image.
This is my second project influenced by the family archive. I consider family archives an invaluable resource at various stages of life. In my case, they have been crucial in connecting me to my personal history and in creating new visual narratives.
In case of interest, request the password at the following email: villegasvea@googlemail.com