Main Street Bench Project

text+photos JORGE PEREZCHICA

It’s the beginning of new decade and Tysen Knight, artist, filmmaker and mentor is standing tall and riding high. It seems like not a day goes by the the prolific artist isn’t painting a new mural or promoting projects. In late 2019, I ran across Tysen in downtown Palm Springs. The artist was busy painting over ordinary benches and transforming them into works of art with his signature style of bold colors and zigzag lines. Overall, Tysen painted 10 benches along Palm Canyon. Some of them adorn icons from pop culture such as Basquiat, Andy Warhol, Frida Kahlo and Lucille Ball. Tysen’s aesthetic can be described as a cross between street and pop-art. He gained attention when American Documentary Film Festival (AMDOCS) screened his latest “The Art of the Hustle: Street Art Documentary.” Palm Springs Public Arts Commission took notice and asked him to be lead artist for the launch of phase 1: Main Street Bench Project. In 2020, Tysen stepped into the role of lead supervisor for phase 2 and 3. Working with a multitude of local artists, over 50 benches have been painted throughout the city – including the airport, city hall, convention center and downtown.

“Be inspired” is a message you often write on social media. What has helped you stay optimistic and inspired in the age of COVID?
I have been able to build important and beautiful bonds with family, friends and my students I mentor. My levels of appreciation, humility and aspiration is shinning brighter than ever before right now.

How did Main Street Bench project come together?
I was chosen by The Palm Springs Public Arts Commission. Russell Pritchard (Commissioner) attended the AMDOCS Film Festival for a screening of my film The Art of the Hustle: Street Art Documentary. After that, I was contacted by the commission to be the lead artist for The Street Bench Pilot Project in 2019 and now we have expanded the project throughout the city and also giving many artists the opportunity to display their artwork and creativity.

In phase 1, you painted ten benches, a few of them feature icons from pop culture. What was your creative approach to the project?
The creative approach was a collective effort between PSPAC, Main Street and myself on which icons would appear on the benches. As far as color schemes and designs I had complete creative control.

Under phase 2 and 3, your role shifted to lead supervisor for the project. What did you learn from the experience?
I have learned about the uniqueness of each artist and their approach to creativity. There’s not that many times as an artist that you will get to work with so many amazing and talented individuals. All artist are different and quirky, so being able to vibe with so many different personalities that have the same common goals and passions for art is priceless.

How has the city embraced the bench project so far?
It’s expanding all over the city. We are now at the airport and city hall. This is a one of kind project. It has definitely raised the moral and spirit of the City of Palm Springs.

What message do you have for us moving onto 2021?
Let’s practice tolerance and empathy towards each other. #BeINSPIRED!

Kylie Knight – Sun Spot. The work I completed for the Palm Springs bench project was definitely one of the most challenging, but also, most rewarding of artistic endeavors I’ve had the opportunity to work on. The entirety of the bench was painted during a desert heat wave where daytime temperatures were getting up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, so in order to work I’d arrive before the sun came up or after it had already set, and even then the ground radiated heat that made the paint dry upon contact. It was definitely a learning experience as well as a personal test of my patience, but the feedback from passersby made the whole thing worthwhile, and the help from Tysen Knight and the Palm Springs Art Committee was nothing short of extraordinary. I like to think that the hardships along the way made the finished product that much more sweet, and I feel lucky to be a part of the iconic history of downtown Palm Springs.

Travis Studio – Shine Bright Like A Diamond. I’ve had a fantastic experience working with the Palm Springs Public Arts Council creating a number of exciting projects. I tend to spend a lot my time working in my studio, so to have the chance to work in public and meet our amazing locals and visitors was a great experience. Everyone I met was excited and interested in watching us create. We truly have an amazing community.

Zach Boyles – My Little Patch. Participating in the Main Street Bench Project has been a highlight to an otherwise dreary and depressing year. My little Patch on the sidewalk became a refuge from the turbulence of 2020. To be completely honest, painting a concrete bench in the middle of July kind of sucks, but I was so happy to get out of the house after having self-quarantined for 3 months that I didn’t mind the heat. I am extremely thankful to the Palm Springs Public Arts Commission, Joy at Crystal Fantasy and Tysen Knight for the opportunity.

Frank Lemus – Measurements. Based on the nature of geometric shapes and how they fit together. The project was well organized and fun to participateW in. While I was painting, the people passing by along with business owners expressed how much they liked the project and they wanted to see all the benches painted.

Shanah Chomsinsub – Meanwhile… My bench and most of my artwork is inspired by nostalgia. I’m a kid at heart with a love for comics and vintage cartoons. I chose Adam West because of his awesome 1966 batman but also what he’s meant for Palm Springs.

Sign-up on the artist registry to be considered for future art projects in the City of Palm Springs.
web: pspublicarts.com