Wonder
By Benjamin Reynolds
Artist Bio
For the past decade, Western Australian photographer Ben Reynolds has captured the deep connection between people and their cars through his project, A Portrait of Cars. This project, rendered in vibrant portraits and street photographs, shines a light on the diverse and enduring car culture from Fremantle to Cottesloe. Ben's first book in the series, Road Warriors of Fremantle, is a tribute to Fremantle’s unique car community, with the second instalment, Road Warriors of Cottesloe, anticipated for release in 2025.
 
 In Ben’s view, these cars embody far more than utility; they are extensions of their owners’ personalities and mobile works of art that enrich the character of their surroundings. A Portrait of Cars is not just about cars but celebrates an era and a culture, honouring the unique bond between people and their cherished vehicles.
Artist Statement / Description of artwork
‘She is a Chrysler 1980 CM Valiant. I bought her
 from two sisters who were left with it when their
 father passed away several years earlier. Since
 then it had been sitting in the garage deteriorating
 but they hadn’t been able to bring themselves
 to sell it. When I purchased it, she barely started,
 one head light wasn’t working, it had no dash
 lights and a leaking tyre, amongst other problems.
 So as I drove off that stormy evening I said,
 “if you make it back home I promise to get a you
 a tow-truck, find you a good mechanic, and give
 you anything you need”. Just as I said that, you
 wouldn’t believe it, lightning filled the sky and the
 second head light came on. We made it home
 that night and she is still with me today. That was
 the first moment I had with the spirit of the car I
 call Wonder. As I drove away that day, I looked
 in the rear-view mirror and saw one of the girls
 wiping tears from her face and waving goodbye
 to memories of her passing father.’ Marcos Toribio