robert grosvenor parks three functionless cars inside new york's karma gallery

inside new york’s karma gallery, robert grosvenor has installed a sculpture that sits between the functionless and the functional, the recognizable and the absurd. the untitled artwork is defined by what seems to be three cars parked in the center of the exhibition space, yet none of them have a purpose or possibility of use. the amalgamation of unsuspecting objects, unfamiliar textures, and unconventional colors construct a scene in which visitors experience something familiar, yet wildly surprising at the same time. 

all images by thomas müller, courtesy of the artist and karma, new york

grosvenor’s three ‘vehicles’ seem to be relics of a bygone time, like fossilized figures from the past. on the far left, a bright yellow cruiser has its doors welded shut, seams filled, lines smoothed, corners pointed and headlights and taillights painted over. inside are four seats, but without handles, there’s no way to access them. the object has seemingly just emerged from a mold. beside it, a small green vehicle with three wheels appears to be functional but is no less illogical than its neighbors. on the right, a rusted, windowless machine similarly has its front smoothed out, while a fin on its back seems to indicates speed — but no evidence of how to steer or propel the car appears.

grosvenor’s sculptures at karma gallery are on view from now through august 13th, 2017.