Saatchi Gallery: Artist’s car features in homelessness exhibition

Titled Home 2013, Tovey transformed the vehicle into a hand-welded sculpture of a house.

The London-based artist explained that it symbolises his appreciation for the car that became his home, contrasted with anger and sadness about the situation he found himself in.

“I’m really excited about this piece. It’s probably the hardest work I’ve ever made because it represents my home for over six months during a very difficult period of my life,” said Tovey, who was shortlisted for the Orwell Prize for reporting homelessness earlier this year.

“The car sculpture includes personal elements like folded clothing and bedding, which were part of my daily life. The car provided safety and security when I was ill and living on the streets.

“Initially, I couldn’t accept that I was homeless, but living in a car was my reality.”