04 December 2015

Fraley's Robot Repair Shop by Toby Fraley

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This installation began in a vacant store window in downtown. It was a huge hit and won the Mayor's Award for Public Art in 2012. Toby Fraley wanted to do it again and used Kickstarter to fund this version. A huge aviation buff, Mr Fraley approached the airport about doing the installation there and was thrilled when they embraced the idea. The airport authority provided the space and installed the glass windows and Toby Fraley filled the space with all sorts of fun details.





Looking through the window of the “repair shop” you see all the pieces-parts you might expect to find in a robot repair shop, along with several robots waiting for repairs. You really have to search the installation for all the little details and humorous surprises. He has a small radar screen with a microphone on the desk next to a sign for autopilot repairs. Paint cans have labels based on things that are significant to the artist – like the old TV show Twin Peaks (one of his favorites). There's a moving shadow of a robot trying to see through the frosted glass on the side door to the shop.

 








If you email or tweet the artist a selfie in front of the art display you may end up on the website as a satisfied customer!




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