Epic Porsche Journey Transforms into Multi-Media Art Project
By Editor • August 31, 2026 • 2 min read
What started as a fictional race set in 1980s Tokyo has evolved into a captivating artistic venture known as Contact Layer of Shinjuku. Spearheaded by Polish designer Paweł Kalinowski, this project not only features seven classic Porsches but also encapsulates a 4,000-kilometer journey across Europe, merging film, photography, and installation art.
Initially inspired by a fictional race from Shinjuku to Mount Fuji, Kalinowski returned a 1968 Porsche 911 to Japan in 2026, giving it a new life through memories of the imagined event. This particular vehicle later shone at the Luftgekühlt Tokyo event, marking the beginning of his exploration into the intersection of automobiles, memory, and fiction.
This new chapter, Contact Layer of Shinjuku, saw the classic Porsches traverse Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania in the summer of 2026. Twelve participants from various generations set off on this adventure, covering the extensive distance without the aid of support vehicles or a set plan. The camaraderie among friends, families, and new acquaintances blossomed as they navigated scenic vineyards, rural roads, and the iconic Transfăgărășan, all while confronting challenges such as mechanical issues and soaring temperatures.
The journey's documentation includes photographs and film, capturing the essence of shared experiences and emotional connections. These elements will contribute to a seven-part documentary series and a physical installation, portraying the Porsche as a vessel for memory.
In this installation, moving images, sound, and physical artefacts will recreate snippets of the journey within an exhibition space. The first display of this innovative project is set for Luftgekühlt in Atlanta in October 2026, followed by a premier at Reszel Castle in Poland, with plans for a Tokyo showing to complete the circle back to its fictional roots.
Through Contact Layer of Shinjuku, Kalinowski's artistic journey has expanded from cars as mere objects to complex narratives woven through film, sound, and installation. This evolution demonstrates how actual experiences can reshape our understanding of fictional memories, creating rich, layered works of art.
Source: www.designboom.com
