The Artistic Journey of the 1990 Ford Econoline Vibe Palace Van
Art cars hold a special place in the hearts of creative individuals who use them as a canvas to express their unique visions. However, the harsh realities of everyday life often lead these masterpieces to an untimely demise. During his junkyard expeditions, Murilee Martin stumbled upon a treasure trove of discarded art cars, each telling a story of neglect and abandonment. Among these forgotten gems was the Groovalicious Purple Princess of Peace Taurus, a Volvo 240 paying homage to Van Gogh and the Bible, a famous 1969 Ford Mustang, and various hot-glue masterpieces. But one van stood out among the rest – the 1990 Ford Econoline Vibe Palace, a fusion of art and travel found in a Denver-area junkyard.
The Vibe Palace van was more than just a vehicle; it was a piece of 21st-century Denver art history. However, its fate was sealed when it met the unforgiving jaws of the crusher months ago, marking the end of its artistic journey. Originally born as a ¾-ton cargo van at Lorain Assembly in Ohio, this Econoline underwent a transformative process at the hands of Akiala I, a multidisciplinary artist dedicated to preserving the cultural heritage of Denver’s Five Points neighborhood.
Akiala I, the creative force behind Absoulute Vibe and Vibe Palace, used the Econoline as a canvas to convey a message of resistance against gentrification while exploring themes of science fiction and New Age spirituality. The van, named after a spaceship from the planet Ultima in a distant galaxy, served as a mobile art installation that transported Akiala I on her journeys between Denver and New Orleans. The exterior of the Vibe Palace Econoline was adorned with intricate three-dimensional lettering and a fusion of vibrant colors that reflected the artist’s vision of a fifth-dimensional energies werkout.
A Glimpse Inside the Vibe Palace
Stepping into the Vibe Palace Econoline revealed a kaleidoscope of pink, purple, and disco-ball fabric that engulfed the interior in a whimsical display of creativity. The eclectic mix of colors and textures served as a stark contrast to the utilitarian origins of the van, transforming it into a mobile sanctuary of artistic expression. Despite its flamboyant appearance, the Vibe Palace Econoline retained its functionality, powered by a 5.8-liter small-block pushrod V8 engine, formerly known as the 351 Windsor.
The transition from a standard cargo van to a psychedelic masterpiece was a testament to Akiala I’s artistic vision and commitment to creating a tangible representation of her beliefs. The Vibe Palace Econoline stood as a symbol of defiance against conformity, embracing a futuristic aesthetic that challenged traditional norms of art and design. As one of the final examples of the angular “long snout” Econoline family built from 1975 to 1991, this van embodied a blend of retro charm and avant-garde sensibilities that captivated onlookers and admirers alike.
A Legacy Lost, A Message Preserved
Despite its untimely demise in the junkyard, the 1990 Ford Econoline Vibe Palace van left behind a legacy of creativity and resistance that transcended its physical form. Akiala I’s artistic journey, encapsulated within the vibrant walls of the Vibe Palace Econoline, served as a reminder of the power of art to provoke thought, inspire change, and challenge societal norms. While the spaceship may no longer travel the galaxy, its spirit lives on in the hearts of those who witnessed its transformative presence on the streets of Denver.
In a world where conformity often stifles creativity, the Vibe Palace Econoline stood as a beacon of individuality and self-expression, urging viewers to embrace their uniqueness and celebrate the beauty of diversity. The fusion of science fiction, spirituality, and artistry embodied in the van’s design served as a rallying cry for those who dared to dream beyond the confines of convention. As we bid farewell to the 1990 Ford Econoline Vibe Palace van, let us remember its message of resilience, defiance, and the boundless power of creativity to shape our world.