Robolights
| Robolights | |
|---|---|
 The sculptures in 2017 | |
| Artist | Kenny Irwin, Jr. |
| Year | 1986 |
| Medium | Recycled materials |
| Dimensions | 4 acres (1.6 ha) property[1] |
| 33°49′55″N 116°32′07″W / 33.8319°N 116.5353°W | |
Robolights is an art installation in Palm Springs, California. It consists of sculptures that were made by Kenny Irwin starting in 1986 and surround his house at 1077 E Granvia Valmonte. All the sculptures are made from recycled materials. It is a popular attraction during the holiday season in the winter,[2] with around 60,000 visitors in 2018.[3][4] It is the largest residential, private, Christmas lights display in the United States.[5]
History
[edit]Kenny Irwin Jr., the creator of the sculptures, created his first robot, a 10 ft (3.0 m)-tall wooden robot, at age 9. He developed a signature style — large, lit-up, and multicolored robots. His father, Ken Irwin Sr., who is also an artist, allowed him to use the family home as a "canvas" and Irwin continued to build robots since. The installation began in 1986, when Irwin was only 12.[1] He continues to build robots 350 days a year and 10–12 hours a day.[2][5]
A vandal stole many Christmas lights and some sculptures were stolen in 2009. In 2012, the cost of running of the installation became too great and Irwin had to ask for donations online.[1]
The city of Palm Springs sued Irwin in 2016 for violating the building code, as visitors were frequently annoying residents of nearby houses, generating noise, traffic, and trash. In that same year, an electrical fire broke out on the property due to a malfunctioning electric component of the pool. After the fire, the area was subject to inspections, and the city found that some statues on the roof were unauthorized. These statues could provide a potential danger if the wind blew them off. Because of this, the city ordered Irwin to close the property to the public. However, he did not comply, and he was brought to court. The case was eventually settled in 2017, with Irwin having to require a permit and pay for a program that would reduce trash and traffic. In 2018, Irwin agreed with the city to move his art to a more commercial location, with the city providing $125,000 to cover expenses.[3] As of the 2023 season, the move has not occurred.[1][6]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d Blueskye, Brian (November 15, 2023). "Robolights won't return to Palm Springs this holiday season. So will we ever see it again?". The Desert Sun. Archived from the original on July 6, 2024. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
- ^ a b "The Famous Robolights of Palm Springs". California Curiosities. December 22, 2016. Archived from the original on February 15, 2024. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
- ^ a b Damien, Christopher (November 29, 2018). "Robolights' legal road: After years of fighting, the light show will leave ritzy Palm Springs neighborhood". The Desert Sun. Archived from the original on February 15, 2024. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
- ^ Hernandez, Chrissi. "Go See Robolights: The Quirky and Creepy Christmas Light Display". Chrissi Hernandez. Archived from the original on February 15, 2024. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
- ^ a b "RoboLights in Palm Springs: Craziest Christmas Light Display You'll Ever Go To". California Through My Lens. December 7, 2014. Archived from the original on February 15, 2024. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
- ^ Reyes-Velarde, Alejandra (November 30, 2018). "Robolights, the surreal holiday display in Palm Springs, is getting a new home". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on February 15, 2024. Retrieved February 15, 2024.