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Verkehrszentrum
From
23 April 2026

Photo: Martin Roemers

Special Exhibition

Homo Mobilis

23 April to 31 October 2026, Gallery Hall III

What can a vehicle reveal about its driver? Dutch artist Martin Roemers has photographed people with their vehicles throughout the world.

8.3 billionpeople

1.6 billionmotor vehicles

We live in a world with 8.3 billion people and 1.6 billion motor vehicles. For people across the globe, cars, scooters and other vehicles are often more than simply a means of transport. They shape our sense of identity and our daily lives. For some, cars are primarily a means of transport and the basis of their livelihood, while others regard them as status symbol and an expression of their personality. A vehicle reflects an individual’s lifestyle, identity and sense of belonging, as well as their social class and role in society.

Aïcha, Yvonne, Fatimata and Becaye, car sales staff (Mini) | Dakar, Senegal | Photo: Martin Roemers

Dutch photographer Martin Roemers has captured people with their vehicles throughout the world. Each image is taken against a neutral white background, with no natural surroundings visible. As a result, the focus is entirely on the subjects and their vehicles. Roemers’ work reveals a diverse culture of mobility and motoring, while also highlighting shared patterns across the globe.

Zenovyl, truck driver; Vasil, helper (ZIL) | Lviv, Ukraine | Photo: Martin Roemers

Spanning 320 square metres, the exhibition features 37 photographs from the “Homo Mobilis” project. Highlights include three life-size prints, some of which are up to six metres wide. An audio commentary by the artist provides background information on selected images. There is also a film offering insights into the creative process.

Martin Roemers works on long term projects centered on the human dimension of profound societal changes. He studied at the AKI Academy of Art in Enschede, the Netherlands. His worldwide exhibited work is held in various collections including Rijksmuseum Amsterdam; MAST, Bologna; The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; The Wende Museum, Los Angeles and The Getty Research Institute, Los Angeles.

Roemers has published nine monographs and he received two World Press Photo Awards.

The Homo Mobilis project was made possible through grants provided by the Mondriaan Fund, VandenEnde Foundation and Jaap Harten Fonds. We would like to thank Kunsthal Rotterdam.

With the kind support:

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  • Bettina Zimmermann

    Sekretariat Verkehrszentrum