Sarah Baldery

Cars have long existed as symbols of status, power and identity within society. Through imagery and fashion, cars have often been associated with masculinity, luxury and exclusivity, placing the female as an object to appease the male gaze rather than having the opportunity to participate in car culture themselves. This project  aims to challenge these conventions through contemporary imagery that explores the intersectionality between fashion, cars and identity. 

As someone who admires cars, I wanted to create a platform that not only addresses the issues stated above but also the problems in having to seek validation from others to be accepted in something that should be accessible to anyone with the same passions and interests. Using photography, I wish to create work that celebrates individuality and identity whilst representing others.

Parc Fermé is a term used in Formula 1 meaning ‘closed park’. This is where cars are held for a duration of time either after a race or in between qualifying rounds and races to allow for technical inspections and prevent any modifications. My interpretation of this in the context of this zine is that many of us feel like we must change or adapt to fit into a specific culture, whether that be through the clothes we wear or feeling pressured to either modify our cars a certain way or buy something expensive to become recognised within the scene. If parc fermé were applied to people in this instance, we wouldn’t have the chance to change – we would just have to be accepted for who we are in that moment. Social media and the overarching idea of status has negatively impacted how people integrate within the car scene, particularly with the amount of hate people receive online, more so if you don’t fit the traditional stereotypes. 

Through my fashion photography I have tried to avoid any traditional stereotypes to use this space for more inclusive representation, proving that people’s connections to cars are valid regardless of gender, identity or background. This is a space for celebration of likeminded people who have a passion and interest for car culture and motorsport, hopefully providing a sense of belonging.