Therapy Taxi
1996–97

Therapy Taxi provides a regular taxi service in a modified Volkswagen Space Wagon model 1996. Upon the invitation of an art institution or gallery, the taxi service typically establishes two stations—one directly outside the art space and one in the city. It is also possible to call and order the car directly, so that people may take the taxi to travel wherever they would like. The taxi is striped with mirrored foil, which reflects its surroundings. On entering the taxi, passengers must lie down on a red divan inside the car. Here, they can voice their personal problems and receive guidance from the driver, a trained psychoanalyst.

A core objective of the project is to create a flexible artwork—a moving mirror that reflects the city and its citizens on a macro scale. But it also offers a personal and intimate experience, as one leaves the public realm and steps into a private universe of psychological reflection.

 

"Therapy Taxi," 1996–97
Volkswagen Sharan 1996, mirror foil, 
neon lights, divan, taximeter
"Therapy Taxi" interior. Photo: David Brandt
"Therapy Taxi" in front of Hamburger Bahnhof Berlin, 1997. Photo: David Brandt
Receipt from "Therapy Taxi"
"Therapy Taxi" outside Barbara Thumm Gallery, Berlin, 1997. Photo: David Brandt
Illustration by Johan Mets
"Therapy Taxi" sofa, detail
"Therapy Taxi" in Stockholm, 1996