In an ambitious project to explore Mexico's abandoned railways, artists Ivan Puig and Andrés Padilla Domene created a homemade car. The SEFT-1 exploration probe travelled thousands of miles along old rail lines throughout Mexico and Ecuador over the course of two years.
The customized car was equipped with modern navigation features and sensors, and drove like a regular car on the abandoned railways. The versatile vehicle also allowed the artists to document their journey through found objects, photographs and video. They interviewed the people living in the communities along the forgotten railroads who were affected by the closures back in 1995 as well.
The stories they collected in addition to the data gathered will be on display from June 21 to July 27, 2014 at Furtherfield Gallery in London.
Railroad-Exploring Vehicles
The SEFT-1 Travelled Along Abandoned Railways in Mexico and Ecuador
Trend Themes
1. Exploration Vehicles - Opportunity to develop vehicles specifically designed for exploring remote and abandoned areas, utilizing modern navigation features and sensors.
2. Railway Rehabilitation - Opportunity to revive abandoned railways by repurposing them for exploration, tourism, or transportation purposes.
3. Community Engagement - Opportunity to connect with communities affected by railway closures and document their stories and experiences.
Industry Implications
1. Automotive - Automotive industry can innovate by creating specialized vehicles for exploring remote and abandoned areas, equipped with modern navigation features and sensors.
2. Tourism - Tourism industry can capitalize on repurposing abandoned railways for unique exploration experiences and attract travelers.
3. Art and Culture - Art and culture industry can utilize exploration projects to engage with communities and document their stories and experiences.