Q&A with Rodrigo Gaya Villar, Author of Vochos Unidos
Rodrigo Gaya Villar spent five years chasing vochos around Mexico. Now, his stunning photobook Vochos Unidos celebrates the spirit and culture of a nation, and the Volkswagen Beetle that has become its mascot. In the interview below, Gaya Villar explains the technique, the people, and the deep personal motivation behind the project.
When did you realize vochos would be an important part of your life?
A blue Beetle in Vochos Unidos.
Rodrigo Gaya Villar: The first time I photographed a Vocho it struck a chord in my heart. Right away, it reminded me of my mom. I realized I wasn’t discovering Vocho culture — it was already part of me. There were so many days that brought different revelations that guided me, and revealed layers upon layers to the story. I’m excited to share them in the book.
What is unique about your shooting style?
Rodrigo Gaya Villar: Vochos Unidos was photographed entirely with one Fujifilm 35mm lens. Using a digital mirrorless camera with a simple setup made it possible to move freely. I didn’t want to be bogged down by lenses — I just wanted to go. I got to not only explore the country, but I got to explore photography, and different styles and ways of approaching an object. This allowed me to play and take creative leaps. I brought it everywhere, and eventually it felt weird to be without it.
What was special about the people you met in Mexico?
A surfer takes a break in his Beetle on the beaches of Oaxaca, Mexico.
Rodrigo Gaya Villar: They’re the reason I made the book — their humanity and humility. Their joy and their sense of adventure was contagious. As a photographer you relive people’s lifetimes for a few hours. I like to think that when I point my camera, I’m choosing who to learn from. They just kept inviting me to spend time with them, and kept me as part of their community.
What did vochos teach you about Mexico and culture?
A vochero displays his handiwork in Vochos Unidos.
Rodrigo Gaya Villar: Culture is something that lives and breathes and dies. I learned that the spark for joy and adventure comes from this bittersweet relationship, where you have to put in the sweat and the tears and the money to get that ephemeral feeling. I realized you need friction for forward motion — that being in my cocoon inside the house wouldn’t serve me. I needed to get out of my house as much as I could. I needed it like I needed water. So I just kept taking pictures.
How would you describe your connection with Mexico today?
Rodrigo Gaya Villar: It’s like hugging the toe of a giant. Mexico is a huge thing, that means so many things to so many people. It’d be nice to leave a thank you. Vochos Unidos is my thank you. For sure.
What do you hope people feel when they hold Vochos Unidos?
A worn-down Beetle takes a break on a Tepoztlán farm in Vochos Unidos.
Rodrigo Gaya Villar: That same spark that I had. Seeing the people of Mexico and thinking about identity, and a moment in time that’s passing through you. Basically, a whole book of sparking joy. Every image is a mystery that takes you on a completely different path, and it may mean something to you or not. But in the end, you get it. After a while you begin to ignore the Beetle itself, and focus on the little details of each photograph that are welcoming and inviting. Plus a little sense of adventure, because that’s what day-to-day life in Mexico is like. An adventure.
About Vochos Unidos
Vochos Unidos is a 300-page bilingual hardcover photobook by Rodrigo Gaya Villar, published by Carrara Media. Shot over five years across Mexico City, Oaxaca, Tepoztlán, and beyond, it is the definitive photographic portrait of El Vocho — the Volkswagen Beetle — and the passionate community of vocheros who keep it alive.
Praised by Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Patrick Farrell as “a rare talent capable of merging the rawness of documentary photography with the art of portraiture.” Also praised by automotive photographer Larry Chen, author Victoria Scott, and Professor Oliver Wang of California State University Long Beach.
Available in Standard Edition ($54.99) and Limited Edition ($124.99, signed, only 500 copies).
Order the Standard Edition → Order the Limited Edition →
Learn more about the book: Vochos Unidos full landing page →