Betsabeé Romero, Cars & Traces
24 September 2010 until 6 March 2011, Park Hall
The Tropenmuseum hosts a show by Betsabeé Romero (b. Mexico City, 1963) from 24 September 2010 to 7 March 2011 featuring sculpture and installations using cars and car-parts in relation to themes such as migration, modernisation and movement. “We all experience cars, either as a driver or a passenger. That’s why cars, and for example tyres, wheels and car bonnets are such wonderful, recognisable objects to use”, says Romero.
Betsabeé Romero combines cars and car-parts with familiar elements from Mexican and other cultures. This accentuates contrasts in stimulating ways. Cars represent speed and modernisation for example, as against the cultural traditions that we carry with us in our collective memory. From the Virgin of Guadalupe (patron saint of Latin America) and ex votos (altar objects and representations of saints) to Delft pottery and even Amsterdam’s new North/South subway extension.
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“Everything has to be quick. Things are useful if they’re fast. Cultures have to develop quickly too. Without looking back at the tracks left behind on the earth and its inhabitants.” Betsabeé Romero compels us to stop and respect objects that have been made with great care and professional skill.
The Tropenmuseum interviewed Betsabeé Romero about her work and the 'Cars & Traces' exhibition (Dutch subtitles):
The exhibition is accompanied by a publication entitled Betsabeé Romero, Cars & Traces, produced by KIT Publishers.
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