Artistic Amusement Park, Luna Luna, showcases design skills in bustling New York City
In the heart of New York City, a piece of 1980s history has been revived, transporting visitors to a time when art and amusement intertwined in a unique and vibrant way. The traveling exhibition, "Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy," showcases a collection of restored rides and installations from the original Luna Luna amusement park, which was first envisioned by André Heller for New York but eventually debuted in Germany during a time marked by the Berlin Wall and the AIDS crisis.
The park, a collaborative effort of influential artists such as Keith Haring, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Salvador Dalí, David Hockney, Sonia Delaunay, Rebecca Horn, and Kenny Scharf, offered a fascinating blend of creativity and social commentary. For instance, Haring's carousel showcases his emphasis on joy, while addressing social issues through larger-than-life radiant babies. Basquiat designed a Ferris wheel with references to jazz musician Charlie Parker and racism.
The park's lighting design was by John Torres, who has worked with notable figures like Robert Wilson, Solange, and Lady Gaga. The park's lighting added an extra layer of enchantment, illuminating the installations in a way that heightened their impact.
After an absence of several decades, the park's 13 restored rides are now available for viewing at The Shed at Hudson Yards in New York City. However, due to their fragile conditions, the rides are not interactive. One standout exhibit is Dali's mirror room, which offers an early example of immersive art experiences, surrounding visitors with their reflections in a Surrealist manner.
The revitalization of Luna Luna began in 2019, under the guidance of Michael Goldberg, founder of creative agency Something Special Studios. The park, now named 'Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy,' opened to the public earlier this year in east Los Angeles.
The journey of Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy does not stop in New York. The organizers plan to continue its journey in the US and other locations, with each stop telling a unique story. The park's attendance during its 1987 stint in Hamburg, Germany, was around 300,000 people in three months, a testament to its enduring appeal.
For those interested in learning more about Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy, the website is lunaluna.com. The exhibition will remain open until March 16, 2025. This is a rare opportunity to step back in time and experience a piece of art history that continues to captivate and inspire.
[1] "Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy," The Shed, Hudson Yards, New York City. [4] "Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy," Los Angeles. [5] "Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy," DreamCrew, Drake's entertainment company, provided funding for the revival. [6] The park was stored in 44 shipping containers in a Texas facility for decades. [7] The date for the second stop of the revived Luna Luna in New York is not specified in the provided text.
- "Visitors to 'Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy' at The Shed in Hudson Yards, New York City, will find a unique blend of entertainment and art, with installations created by influential artists like Keith Haring, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Salvador Dalí."
- "Drake's DreamCrew entertainment company funded the revival of 'Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy,' bringing back a captivating piece of art history for modern audiences to experience."
