Volvo Cars, a name synonymous with safety, gave the world the first three-point safety belt in 1959. After its introduction, Volvo faced a world of criticism. People questioned the need to wear them, and some felt laws forcing them to wear one was an infringement on human rights.
The new exhibition, A Million More features portraits and audio recordings that tell the stories of survivors saved by the safety belt, captured by esteemed photographer and Fotografiska alum, Martin Schoeller. The portraits capture the strong emotions in survivors’ faces as they recall their traumatic experiences and the hope and positivity that came from surviving them.
Each survivor is photographed in a similar way, yet slight variations in body positioning highlight the individuality of each unique story. In addition to shooting their portraits, Schoeller also recorded their voices as they shared in their own words what transpired.
The portraits in A Million More capture the strong emotions in survivors’ faces as they recall their traumatic experiences and the hope and positivity that came from surviving them. In addition to shooting their portraits, Schoeller also recorded their voices as they shared in their own words what transpired. This installation invites viewers to become fully immersed in the retelling of survival stories, as a powerful and hopeful reminder that life can change in an instant. A Million More underscores Volvo’s commitment to safety, and their ambition to save a million more lives.
A Million More, Stories of Seatbelt Survivors through the lens of Martin Schoeller, presented by Fotografiska in partnership with Volvo Cars, will be on view through April 25, 2021, in Fotografiska’s V Bar ~ complimentary entry, no admission ticket required in V Bar through April 25, 2021. Fotografiska New York is located at 281 Park Avenue South, NYC.