Motorama—Los Angeles 1956

Robert Frank captured this photograph, Motorama—Los Angeles, on film, encapsulating a moment fraught with cultural symbolism. The gleaming car, a modern idol, is meticulously polished by a man in what seems like a ritualistic act. Consider the role of adornment throughout history. From ancient Egyptians preparing pharaohs for the afterlife to the modern consumer culture of the 1950s, we see echoes of the same desire to elevate and deify. The car here, more than mere transportation, becomes an object of worship, reflecting societal values and aspirations. The act of polishing, too, bears a connection to the past. Think of the countless hours spent by medieval monks illuminating manuscripts, each stroke a testament to devotion. This gesture of care and attention is a potent symbol, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. Like the ouroboros, the snake that devours its tail only to be reborn, the motifs of adornment, labour, and status are in constant renewal. The symbols Frank has captured resurface, evolving and taking on new meanings in different historical contexts.