JEWISH CHRONICLE
24 August 2001
Touring London - cabbie's mobile gallery
A London cabbie has combined his profession and passion to make his taxi a moving art gallery. Jason Brown is driven by a desire "to show tasteful art to the unsuspecting public." The Hendon 39-year-old picks up fares throughout the capital "as a regular taxi. "But instead of my vehicle being plastered with adverts, it's decorated with customised cab art." His Cab Gallery attracts considerable comment from customers Ñ "they are initially surprised but always really encouraging. But I don't discuss the pieces with every passenger. Some people just want a ride, not a lecture."
The project, initiated in 1999, is a collaboration between the cabbie and art dealer Paul Stopler. Having left a career in restaurant management, Mr Brown had opted for taxi-driving "as it would give me the freedom to continue studying the arts." The Cab Gallery seemed a natural progression. "It's never been a commercial venture," he stressed. "If money were to become involved, it would take away the enjoyment."
Pillow talking points: Jason
Brown taking a back seat with some of the exhibits from his moving artistic
display
His taxi is adorned with all types of contemporary art, including paintings, pillow cushions, sound-based pieces and books. More than 30 established or up and-coming artists have contributed tailor-made works for his mobile gallery. Among them are Jewish artists Rachel Beckett and Abigail Cohen. Ms Beckett's offering is a cushion made from old London Underground seating material. "It's titled 'Home,' because that's what people think of when they see it," Mr Brown explained. "Ms Cohen provided a cassette of herself singing the infamous speech, 'All the Animals,' from Martin Scorsese's movie, 'Taxi Driver.'" According to the cabbie, the piece is a great accompaniment "for driving round Piccadilly Circus at night in the pouring rain."
However, Mr Brown has decided to close the gallery in November and he has no plans for a relaunch, as he feels the idea has run its course. But a farewell exhibition in the final weeks will allow passengers to view the full catalogue of cab art. "Yes of course I'll miss it," he told the JC. "Unfortunately I don't get to keep the work as it belongs to the artists. At least I've got my own art collection to see me through."