Public Project
Fantasyland
Copyright Pengkuei Ben Huang 2025
Updated Sep 2025
Location USA
Topics Capitalism, Dreams, Energy, Family Travel, Fine Art, Personal Projects, Photography, Travel, Vacation, Youth
To many Americans and Foreign visitors alike, the attraction of theme parks lies in the latest thrill rides, abstract facilities with animated characters coming to life, and fantasized projection of the perfect American lifestyle where happiness exists on every corner.  It is, however, not the fascination that lured me to wander through these places.

Having spent 8 years living as a young adult in Southern California, visiting theme parks was always a routine part of my life; whether it was a summer school trip or a relative visiting the States, an experience at Disneyland or Universal Studios was often on the agenda. For me, a constant trip to these parks was always marked by artificial landscapes, massive crowds, overly exaggerated mascots, and thrill rides that satisfy those seeking predictable excitement. Eventually, I grew weary of the place.

For a subject such as theme parks, which is so deeply entrenched in American culture, it would be difficult to avoid criticism of the phenomenon that has played a vital role in America’s cultural identity. But as much as I resent theme parks, it is still a paradise for families seeking ultimate joy. Whether it is the latest thrill ride or the surreal landscape, patrons indulge in a vividly animated yet alienated environment. Gradually, my resentment transformed into a fascination as the journey progressed.

Although my excitement remains in photographs only.
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Fantasyland by Pengkuei Ben Huang
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