What if a stack of scrap cars could tell a story about our culture? That’s precisely what Marcus Bowcott’s Trans Am Totem does. This towering sculpture once stood proudly at Quebec Street and Milross Avenue.
Trans Am Totem is more than just a pile of old cars. It’s a statement about consumerism. It makes us think about our “out with the old, in with the new” mentality.
The Trans Am Totem comprised five cars stacked high. These weren’t just any cars. They included a Pontiac Trans Am, a BMW 7 Series and a Honda Civic. A VW Golf and a Mercedes-Benz completed the stack.
Bowcott chose these cars carefully. Each represents a different aspect of our car culture. Each symbolizes practicality and luxury, necessity and waste.
The cars were donated from a local scrapyard. The engines and other heavy parts were removed. This reduced the sculpture’s weight. The total weight was still an impressive 11340 kilograms.
The Trans Am Totem stood 10 meters tall. That’s about 33 feet.
The base of the Trans Am Totem was just as important as the cars. It was made from an old-growth cedar tree. Squamish artist Rick Harry carved a bear claw into the tree trunk. This honored the Indigenous territory where the Trans Am Totem sat.
Before industry took over, the area was tidal flats and forest. The sculpture acknowledged this history. It links the past with the present.
Solar panels powered the car’s lights. This added another layer to the artwork’s message. It showed a connection to renewable energy.
Marcus Bowcott created Trans Am Totem with help from Helene Aspinall. They wanted to find something redeeming in our throw-away culture.
The Trans Am Totem became a Vancouver landmark. Chip and Shannon Wilson donated it to the city. It became part of Vancouver’s public art collection.
Sadly, the Trans Am Totem was removed in August 2021. Weather and birds had damaged it. Pigeons and starlings had made themselves at home inside.
The city is committed to restoring the Trans Am Totem. It will be moved to a new location in Vancouver. The relocation is planned for the summer of 2025.
The Trans Am Totem reminds us of our responsibilities. We must consider our planet and future generations. It encourages us to think about our impact on the environment. Even as cars zoom past. Even as we contribute to global warming.