Looking for something?

Tap outside or press close

InspirationPhotography

Cars: Philipp Zechner's photographic exploration of our obsession with motor vehicles

In 2012, an average new car cost about 30,000 Euros in Germany, about the same as an average year's salary. Within the last 30 years, the price of new cars has risen at twice the speed of the inflation rate, demonstrating the importance society places on the automobile. It serves as a means of transportation, but also as a second home, status symbol, and object of adoration.

Written By:
Pale green saloon car parked on a street in front of white and brick buildings with shop signage

In his series, Cars, Philipp Zechner explores our fascination with motor vehicles. Focusing on slightly outdated models, and always choosing a frontal side perspective, he takes the cars out of their environment, making them appear reminiscent of the classic Matchbox toy cars that many of us collected when we were children. Looking at the cars assembled in this series, we are instantly transported back to youth-hood.

Born in Germany in 1977, Philipp Zechner started taking pictures in his early twenties. In 2008, his first photobook Tokio im Licht der Nacht was published by Berlin-based Parthas Verlag, followed by Frankfurter Nächte (2013) and Tokyo Radiant (2016).

Philipp’s work is focused on urbanity and the seemingly ordinary, with many of his series showing streets or man-made objects. The photographer has been exhibited in both Japan and Germany. Discover more at www.philipp-zechner.com.

All images courtesy of Philipp Zechner

Red vintage car photographed from the side against a white railing and ivy-covered wall in an urban setting
Teal blue saloon car parked against a weathered stone building facade with faded text
Blue saloon car parked against a cream-coloured building with dark wooden shuttered windows
Orange vintage car parked in front of a striped red and white awning of Monsieur Poiré & Manger restaurant
Bright blue Subaru Impreza with gold wheels parked in profile against a backdrop of bare and evergreen trees
Beige vintage saloon car parked on a street with its driver's door open, shown from the side against a white building and green foliage
Share

Further Reading