ROBOLIGHTS
by
Kenny Irwin Jr.
1077 Granvia Valmonte,
Palm Springs, CA.
5$ donation at the gate
Kenny Irwin has created his own amusement park and my stay in Palm Springs would not be complete if I didn't go for a visit. Some people have to go and see the Bob Hope house, but don't miss this - this is too much!
Robolights, a 4 acre site, not far from Frank Sinatra Way in a palmy suburb, was where I found an amazing array of folk art from the hands of one very driven person who has a vision and will not stop until every nook and cranny is filled... did anyone say "obsession? "
Alan Singer gathers materials for the
blog you are reading
If you grew up playing with Legos, Transformers and other mechanical mayhem, this perpetual show will be right up your alley. Especially captivating were the stags emerging from a line of toilets in a central square where a huge golden stage coach was parked and instead of a team of horses pulling the carriage, we have a fleet of yellow manikins.
Kenny Irwin Jr. has been developing this park on the family estate for many years.
Around every corner there is something to marvel at.
This personal theme park has been built by hand ( maybe with the exception of the Macy's balloon parade which floats above parts of the constructions). Private tours can be arranged by appointment and if you just want to stay a little while you can make a donation at the front. Your money literally goes down the drain, and you can proceed on the paths towards the end. Look up and you will see millions of lights!
I think the artist must have grown up watching old Pee Wee's Playhouse reruns. My friend Gary Panter would no doubt approve, since he designed many of the crazy props for Pee Wee's sets. But you haven't seen anything quite like this - are you ready for it?
Many of the constructions have been put together with cast-off collections, old pails, skulls, and odd assortments of lumber painted in the brightest colors. There is a carousel of sorts, a mad green whirling head, and an anatomical ticket taker and so much more. Plan to stay after dusk, the place is truly a Coney Island of the Mind!
