Justine Kurland's 'Sincere Auto Care' Series Explores Masculine Automotive Spaces and Melancholia
Justine Kurland's photographic collection 'Sincere Auto Care' transitions from her previous explorations to themes of vehicle upkeep and masculine car culture in the United States. It encompasses the mythology of the 19th-century American West and the decline of the 21st century, showcasing vintage Cadillacs, Fords, and Corvettes that symbolize Detroit's faltering automotive industry. Kurland captures scenes of junkyards and unique paint jobs, highlighting the concept of 'sincere auto care'. The work is infused with themes of death and nostalgia, featuring pieces like 'Crash' (2013) and 'Death Seat' (2012). Other works, such as 'Spray Fire Custom' (2013) and 'Murdered Out' (2013), delve into male bravado and urban mortality. Utilizing a large-format camera, Kurland creates intimate portraits, often including personal elements like her son in 'This Train Is Bound for Glory' (2009). This article was published in December 2014.
Key facts
- Justine Kurland's series 'Sincere Auto Care' focuses on automotive maintenance and masculine spaces in America.
- The work shifts from 19th-century American West mythology to 20th-century motorcar motifs and 21st-century decline.
- Photographs feature aged Cadillacs, Fords, and Corvettes, reflecting Detroit's dying industry and reuse economics.
- Kurland documents junkyards, custom paint jobs, and aftermarket parts, terming it 'sincere auto care'.
- The series is saturated with death, with images like 'Crash' (2013) and 'Death Seat' (2012) showing car wreckage.
- Kurland uses a large-format camera to create intimate, sharp scenes of tattooed male bodies in automotive environments.
- 'For Abigail' (2014) focuses on a mechanic's tattooed back with a winged crucifix and tombstone lettering.
- 'Baby Tooth' (2011) shows Kurland's son's palm with a broken tooth, suggesting his affinity with automotive spaces.
Entities
Artists
- Justine Kurland
Institutions
- ArtReview
Locations
- Detroit
- United States