Interpretation ID: nht91-4.31

DATE: June 28, 1991

FROM: Dwayne R. Szot

TO: Paul Jackson Rice -- Chief Counsel, NHTSA

TITLE: None

ATTACHMT: Attached to letter dated 7-5-91 from Paul Jackson Rice to Dwayne R. Szot (A38; Part 591)

TEXT:

I am writing to explain my situation regarding the importation of a Polish car, a Syrena, and to ask for special permission for this car to enter the United States. I am Dwayne R. Szot, a sculptor. I received my MFA from Cranbrook Arts Academy in 1989. The central theme of my work is the use of machinery as an expressive tool and a physical extension of ones'self. From October to June I was in Gdansk, Poland, working as an assistant sculpture instructor at the State Higher School of Fine Arts. It was during this time that I began the project known as "Kapsula Czasu" or "Capsule of Time." The capsule is the 10 year old Syrena that I mentioned. This car was painted red and white to resemble the Polish flag. It traveled throughout Poland collecting information and artifacts about peoples' hopes and dreams for the future, and their feelings about the past and the present. The car has been signed by hundreds of Poles. The objects placed within the car are, for the most part, private and will not be examined until the car is opened. These objects were, of necessity, shipped separately from the car, but will rejoin the car when it arrives. Objects within the car come from Solidarity, universities, school children, hospitals and politicians, the same people who signed or drew on the car. It was my original intention to entomb the car and leave it in Gdansk for 25 years, however, obtaining materials like the plexiglass necessary to encase the car, was impossible. It also became increasingly clear to me that the safety of the car could not be guaranteed. For example the present mayor of Gdansk could promise a safe place for the time capsule, but this promise would not be binding for the next mayor. This is a serious work. To have left the capsule in Poland would have been to risk its disappearance or destruction. I must say though, that the news of the cars' July 2 arrival came as a complete shock to my wife and myself. We had expected the car to be shipped in late August or early September, not June, and so we thought we had more time to prepare for its arrival.

Now, to outline my plans for the car in the U.S.. When the car arrives in New York, I will remove the engine to meet EPA approval. I view the car as being like an Egyptian sarcophagus in that it is not a car any more but a container, richly and artistically decorated. The car is not intended to be a mode of transportation on any highway or street, but to symbolize a journey through time. As a time traveler, it doesn't need an engine. There are practical considerations regarding this engine as well. This car can only go about 100 miles until it breaks down. Parts are difficult to get in Poland and would be impossible to get here and Syrena mechanics live a half a world away.

I would like to continue to collect information for the capsule from Poles living in the U.S.. This will be accomplished by transporting the car to Polish communities for scheduled showings. The car with its contents will then, be sealed in a plexiglass box marking the anniversary of Polands' first democratic election in November. The car will then be displayed at museums and art institutes but not removed from its box. Finally, after 25 years, the car will be returned to Poland and opened. In this way, the time capsule takes on international significance. I cannot claim to have a list of scheduled showings for the car yet, but I have begun contacting Polish-American organizations and various museums. I hope that I've convinced you that this car, Kapsula Czasu, is an art object and will not be driven or used for transportation. I realize that you would be allowing a very great exception by permiting the car to enter the U.S.. I have asked for professional letters of recommendation to be sent to you, knowing that you probably are not familiar with my work. I am also sending a copy of a newsletter put together by the children of one of the schools Kapsula Czasu visited. While you probably can't read this, and I don't know how well it will fax, you may still be interested in seeing it. My wife had a pleasant conversation with Mr. Taylor Vincent thursday about this matter, and we are hopeful. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Attachment A

Polish newspaper article regarding Kapsula Czasu (text and graphics omitted)

Attachment B

CRANBROOK ACADEMY OF ART

June 28, 1991

Chief Consul Paul Jackson Rice NHTSA Room 5219 400 7th Street, SW Washington, DC 20590

Dear Sir:

Dwayne Szot studied for two years at Cranbrook Academy of Art within the Sculpture Department and receive his Master of Fine Arts degree in May 1989.

During his two years at the Academy, I came to know Dwayne and his work well through student reviews and conversations that I had with him. He proved himself to be a hardworking and conscientious student. His work was imaginative and innovative.

Since leaving the Academy, I have kept in contact with Dwayne and followed the progress of his work. He has matured and has become a serious and dedicated artist.

Dwayne has spent the last nine months as a visiting artist in Poland. I look forward to seeing the work that he produced there.

Sincerely,

Roy Slade President