Exhibition Review: A Million More
© Martin Schoeller for Volvo A Million More
In partnership with Volvo, Fotografiska New York is presenting A Million More, dedicated to showcasing the importance of the seatbelt. The show exhibits audio recordings and portraits, taken by German photographer Martin Schoeller, of fifteen drivers and passengers recalling times when they got into terrible car accidents and the three-point seatbelt saved their lives.
Nowadays, no one could imagine life without the three-point lap and shoulder seatbelt. The three-point seatbelt was introduced in 1959, designed for Volvo by Swedish inventor Nils Bohlin. The public was appalled by the three-point seatbelt. Some even claimed that a lap and shoulder seatbelt was a violation of human rights. But since its invention, the three-point seatbelt has saved over a million lives.
Views have of course changed, and it is commonplace to wear the seatbelt. In the present day, Volvo has introduced new safety technology to their cars — speed limiters and in-car cameras to curb distracted and intoxicated driving. These additions have also proven to be controversial, just like the three-point seatbelt.
(Left) Jos, 2020 © Martin Schoeller, (Right) James, 2020 © Martin Schoeller for Volvo A Million More
Schoeller captures the emotions churning inside each individual as they recall one of the most petrifying events of their lives. With every portrait is their name and a testimony to the impact of these accidents.
One survivor is a man named John. The expression on his face suggests he is not all the way there with Schoeller. He has stepped back into his memories, and his tired eyes reflect the pain that remains with him. “I was sure I was going to die,” he says in the recording.
Another portrait is of a man named David. In spite of his survival, he describes feeling depressed and traumatized by the accident; his strength is evident, but his mind is worn down by trauma.
Even though each person is a survivor, viewers can see that these frightening accidents left a mark on the survivors’ minds — yet there is hope and positivity in their stories.
These portraits aren’t looking to frighten or guilt anyone into wearing a seatbelt, but they show visitors how real and serious the consequences are, while also providing hope for a safer environment in the car and on the road. A Million More reminds everyone that no matter what time of day, our lives can halt in a matter of seconds. The participants in this exhibition are a testament to the importance of vehicular safety. No matter how inconvenient or uncomfortable the three-point seatbelt can feel, it can be the one thing that stands between us, and death. In 2019, Volvo created the E.V.A. Initiative (Equal Vehicles for All), an effort to share 50 years’ worth of accident research with the public and the car industry to encourage better vehicle safety. To Volvo, human lives matter above all, and they will do what is necessary to save a million more.
A Million More is on show at Fotografiska New York until April 25th.
