Hasta La Ideas

Known during the Great Depression as “Hoover Wagons,” artist Jeremy Dean‘s new series “Futurama” draws on the historical phenomenon of horse-pulled cars, repeating this lamentable bit of history with his own hybrid auto carts fashioned from the back ends of gas-guzzling Hummers and Escalades. At the recent Scope Miami art fair Dean showed life-like models—tricked out with quintessential details like functioning drop-down TVs and ostentatious rims—of the actual carriage-SUV he hopes to build.

Making a statement about where the development of the car industry has led society in current times, the project speaks not only to the political, economical and environmental issues of gasoline supply but also to the social aspect of overindulgence and the basic concept of the American dream.

A compelling video featuring the “American dream on wheels” mixes archival footage and Ludacris video clips to set the tone and raise funds for the realization of the chopped-up trucks. Called the custom vehicle project, it’s a joint adventure between Brooklyn gallery Dam Stuhltrager and artistic hub Creative Thriftshop.

Set to unveil at Volta New York 4 March 2010, the project still needs help to reach the goal of $5,000 raised over the next 53 days. Pledge a contribution at the Futurama Kickstarter site, which Dean will reward with a token of appreciation. For the full $5,000 contribution, a 30-minute ride around NYC makes the ultimate incentive.

See more images after the jump.