Christmas lights gone crazy

Displays of Christmas lights on homes are a common sight across the US at this time of year, but in Palm Springs, California, one artist – who happens to be a practising Muslim – has put a unique spin on the annual holiday tradition.

Kenny Irwin Jr calls his yearly spectacle “Robolights” because it features giant robots and sculptures made from recycled goods. According to Irwin, the exhibit features more than 300 different artworks and eight million lights. Most of the pieces convey a Christmas theme, but in the view of some visitors, the display is more disturbing than merry.

“It reminds me of a bad nightmare I might have had as a child,” says spectator Lulu Westers. “It feels like a lot of stuff from the past and it’s accumulated in a way that doesn’t feel good.”

Irwin creates the display out of items ranging from trashcans to old vacuum cleaners. “If you can imagine it, I’ve probably used it in my art,” he says. And, despite the Christmas-theme Robolights, its creator doesn’t celebrate the holiday.

“I’m a Muslim – I don’t celebrate Christmas. What I do celebrate is spreading light in the world, and this does parallel the holidays.” 

The Robolights display is open most years throughout the holiday season for about five weeks, and is open to all visitors for free.