hotch potch on wheels: automobile for land rover by studio job

hotch potch on wheels: automobile for land rover by studio job
‘automobile’, 2012 – 2013 – unique piece by studio job
land rover defender 90, aluminum, bronze, brass, european oak, faience (ceramic), swarovski crystals, hand blown glass, hand paintings, harness leather, high gloss PU coating, rubber PS 160, satin lining, silver leaf, smurray, stained glass, vlisco wax printed fabric, 2k alkyd hand painting, 24k gold leaf.
L 520 x W 290 x H 300 cm
image © Zero40

in celebration of the land rover defender’s 65th anniversary, studio job was invited to conceive a special version of the company’s classic 4×4 vehicle. like a project that has gotten out of hand, the dutch-belgian duo has dissected the land rover in their own right, offering a playful interpretation of the all-terrain vehicle–whose use varies from serving as an ambulance, or machine for agriculture in more rugged conditions; to a family automobile for taking the kids to their soccer games and other extra-curricular activities in the big city. coined a ‘hotch potch on wheels’, studio job’s sculptural piece that has been enhanced with the most unlikely elements. from all facets of its physical presence, the land rover defender has been decorated with swarovski crystal detailing, hand blown glass windows and a proper brass roof rack–presented as an expressive work that though injected with a comical fusion of luxurious three-dimensional elements, still manages to maintain its utilitarian demeanor at its core.

‘as you would expect from someone who knows nothing about making a car, our approach got completely out of hand,’ says job smeets. ‘the numerous elements kept accumulating. the car literally sticks its tongue out. it wants to be something that it actually isn’t. it’s become a great concoction, monumental and cynical.’

‘automobile’, 2012 – 2013 – unique piece by studio job
land rover defender 90, aluminum, bronze, brass, european oak, faience (ceramic), swarovski crystals, hand blown glass, hand paintings, harness leather, high gloss PU coating, rubber PS 160, satin lining, silver leaf, smurray, stained glass, vlisco wax printed fabric, 2k alkyd hand painting, 24k gold leaf.
L 520 x W 290 x H 300 cm
image © Zero40

all four of the wheels have been replaced with exaggerated protruding ornaments: a miniature version of the capitol building sits on one of the rims, the others are fitted with sex cakes, along with a replica of the roman colosseum. a gilded rhino stands on the hood beside a crystal inlaid globe with belt drive and pulley system, complementing the headlamps that have been replaced with candles. the seats of the cockpit have been upholstered with intricate vlisco african tribal wax prints while stained glass windows with peepholes complete the interior. the result is a narrative collage on four wheels, ultimately a styling exercise at the highest level.

‘this land rover became a rolling cabinet of curiosities’ adds smeets. ‘the mysterious car that doctor snuggles always wanted to have. it’s the queen’s car, but also the throne of a chieftain, and at the same time a mechanical rhinoceros, a freak show. an autonomous caricature for the leading part in a video by a leading pop star…people, this defender has become everything it could have become. like a cubistic art piece with various perspectives. it is chaotic and bizarre as life itself. it certainly isn’t a stylistic exercise from the design bible, but definitely a rudimentary work of art, conjured from the high hat – also the controversial palette – of studio job. an anti-hero that anticipates itself. a diary and a mirror.’

while the motor has been left intact, the ‘automobile’ is sure to offer anything but a pleasurable driving experience, and is probably best left as an incredible layered cultural artifact–an eclectic collection of curiosities on four-wheels.