Check out the video made by Florian Cramer of the performance i did at BRUTUS the exhibition ‘Petromelancholia’ HERE.

“From the docks of Rotterdam to the streets of New York, chasing music through spontaneous encounters.”

Rowan van As built his own New York taxi from steel and aluminum, using a small scale model, photographs, and countless YouTube videos as his guide. It’s a replica of the type that was in service from the 1960s through the 1990s. The taxi actually drives, powered by a small gasoline engine.

Once in New York, Rowan will search for stories, positioning himself as a reporter with a performative approach; the taxi will serve as a magnet for encounters. He is particularly drawn to musical stories, as musicians are a major source of inspiration for his work. Like an improvisational music piece, much of the adventure will remain unpredictable, though the goal is clear. The result will be a film inspired by classics such as Space is the Place (Sun Ra), Taxi Driver, and Night on Earth.

Although Van As has never been to New York, he now plans to make the journey, with his taxi. He envisions a film that begins in Rotterdam and ends in New York. In his mind’s eye, the journey starts at the Kop van Zuid, boarding a large ship, just like the thousands of people who once made the transatlantic crossing.

Step in.. you’re welcome to ride along.