Seven lowrider cars are on display at the Bullock Museum in an exhibit called Carros y Cultura: Lowrider Legacies in Texas. Lowriders are usually classic cars modified with flashy paint jobs and hydraulic suspension that let drivers change their cars' ride height. The modifications aren't meant to make the cars faster; instead, these cars are meant to be driven low and slow.
Kathryn Siefker said she studied lowrider culture before curating the exhibit, but the real education came from spending time in the community.
“Everyone in the lowrider community has been so generous in sharing their time and their knowledge and their expertise and really with trusting us to tell this story,” Siefker said.
She spent some time attending lowrider car meets all over Austin to get to know the community. These gatherings let owners show off their lowriders and share modification tips.
“Just hanging out with the community for the last eight to 10 months was so much fun," Siefker said.
Getting the kids started young
Siefker was surprised by the family element of the community. Many of the lowriders she talked to have modified their kids' strollers and toy cars with the same sparkly paint jobs and engraved chrome accents as their cars.
“Before you can even walk, you are part of this larger community and family that’s going to see you through,” Siefker said.
In addition to the seven cars, the exhibit showcases bicycles and pedal-powered toy cars given the full lowrider treatment.
Logistical blessings
Siefker said the lowrider community showed up in many ways in the process of creating the exhibit. One lowrider couldn’t get a covered trailer to transport a car to the museum from Dallas. The car, nicknamed “La Mera Mera,” turned up grimy after a rainy drive down.
After a call for help on social media, folks from the Austin community showed up at the museum’s loading dock to get La Mera Mera looking its best before being put on display.
“All these people showed up to help them that they hadn’t met, they didn't know, but were now fast friends because they all believed in this cause and what was happening,” Siefker said. “Even the logistics have turned out to be a blessing in bringing people together.”
The Bullock Museum is celebrating all things lowrider this Sunday, with break dancers and activities to teach about hydraulics and airbrushing. The free event opens at 10 a.m.
Carros y Cultura: Lowrider Legacies in Texas will be on display until September.
Mas Cultura
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