The majority of the world lives in a do-it-yourself environment. Intrigued by the functioning of these communal spaces, artist Melle Smets and sociologist Joost van Onna travelled to Suame Magazine (Ghana) where cars are disassembled and their parts traded. They collaborated with local artisans and organisations to create a truly African car in only 12 weeks. The results of this adventure are currently on show at Museum Boijmans van Beuningen as part of the group exhibition Project Rotterdam.

After a promotional tour through Europe, the vehicle returned to Suame Magazine where talks began regarding an assembly line for Turtle 2. What has happened since then? Is there going to be a Turtle 2? The exciting story of Turtle 1 is now available as a book, which was launched in Museum Boijmans van Beuningen on 18 June.

Playwright, photographer and Volkskrant columnist Hans Aarsman introduced the book to the audience. Melle Smets and Joost van Onna presented the first copy of the book to the Dutch ambassador of Ghana.

The launch was live broadcast in the Netherlands and Ghana by community radio station Radio Akasanoma. Deejay O’Neil Amponsah moderated this festive event.

Read more about Turtle 1 – Building a car in Africa.