Car Wash |

Caleb Stein has long been captivated by the unique environment of car washes, which he perceives as both comforting and introspective. His fascination with water, in its various forms, extends beyond its physical properties to its symbolic and cultural dimensions—whether solemn and ritualistic or playful and emblematic of Americana. He interprets the process of a car wash as a form of ritual, akin to a baptism, wherein the car undergoes a symbolic cleansing and renewal.

Motivated by this perspective, Stein’s series, Car Wash, embarks on an intentionally repetitive and systematic exploration of car washes, integrating them into his daily routine. This engagement—initially necessitated by the mundane task of moving a car for alternate-side parking and driven by a deliberate effort to find meaning in small, transient moments—led him to examine how a confined architectural space, often no more than 10 feet wide and 30–40 feet long, can yield diverse and evolving visual and experiential interpretations through his repeated visits.

Stein’s approach seeks to balance freedom and experimentation with an underlying structural discipline. Rejecting adherence to a singular photographic style, he instead employs a variety of visual strategies to construct a nuanced documentation of these spaces. By doing so, he creates a visual index that situates the car wash within broader sociocultural and geographical contexts, reflecting its significance as a site of both local and global resonance.

The work incorporates overhead views of a Cadillac, often regarded as an iconic symbol of the American dream. He was particularly intrigued by how visibility and access to information are tied to class and economic investment. The car’s technology, designed to provide varying levels of functionality, reflects a hierarchy where paying more offers greater insight and perspective. This connection between economic status and the ability to "see" resonated deeply, highlighting the subtle ways class dynamics manifest even in seemingly mundane spaces.

One particularly intriguing aspect was the bird’s-eye view generated by the car’s technology as it moved through the space. Originally designed for parking assistance, this feature inadvertently offered a new perspective on the car, almost as if it were sending out a signal to reveal itself. This unintended "glitch" in the technology—a system repurposed beyond its intended use—added an unexpected layer of depth to the work, blending functionality with unintended artistry.

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Car Wash: Caleb Stein

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