Meaning: The quote by Matthew Barney, an American contemporary artist known for his multimedia works, provides insight into his relationship with cars and how they serve as a vehicle for making literal connections. Barney's work often involves complex narratives and symbolism, and his use of vehicles, particularly cars, is a recurring motif in his art.

In the quote, Barney expresses a personal need to make literal connections, and he identifies a vehicle as a tool that often helps him achieve this. While some may interpret the term "vehicle" in a literal sense, referring to automobiles, it's important to consider that Barney may also be using the term metaphorically to indicate a means of conveyance or a medium for his artistic expression.

Barney's statement about having a relationship to car culture provides a glimpse into the broader context of his work. Car culture, particularly in the United States, has been a significant influence on popular culture, art, and societal norms. It encompasses not only the practical and mechanical aspects of automobiles but also the social, economic, and symbolic dimensions associated with them.

When Barney mentions that his relationship to car culture isn't about loving cars but rather about needing them, he may be alluding to the deeper significance of vehicles in his artistic practice. For him, cars may represent more than just modes of transportation; they could embody a powerful symbolism or carry personal and cultural meanings that resonate with his artistic vision.

It's worth noting that Matthew Barney's work often blurs the boundaries between reality and fiction, challenging conventional interpretations and inviting viewers to engage with layers of meaning. His use of vehicles, including cars, in his art may serve as a means of exploring themes such as human experience, identity, technology, and the interconnectedness of various elements in contemporary society.

In his acclaimed "Cremaster Cycle" series, Barney incorporates automobiles in elaborate, cinematic scenes that unfold as part of a larger narrative. These films and accompanying artworks delve into mythological and biological themes, intertwining them with visually stunning and meticulously choreographed sequences featuring cars and other vehicles. The inclusion of automobiles in these works goes beyond their utilitarian function, as they become integral components in the symbolic and visual language that Barney employs.

Furthermore, Barney's use of cars as symbols of power, freedom, and mobility aligns with broader cultural associations attached to automobiles. In the context of American society, cars have been emblematic of personal autonomy, exploration, and the open road. By tapping into these cultural connotations, Barney may be leveraging the inherent symbolism of cars to convey deeper messages within his artistic expressions.

Overall, Matthew Barney's quote sheds light on his nuanced relationship with car culture and the role of vehicles, particularly cars, in his artistic practice. It invites contemplation on the multifaceted meanings and connections that can be derived from the inclusion of automobiles in contemporary art, as well as the broader cultural, social, and personal implications they carry. Through his thought-provoking statements and evocative artworks, Barney continues to challenge and expand our understanding of the interplay between art, symbolism, and the tangible world of vehicles.