2023-12-24 15:31:32
Hypnotic carousels and ferris wheels designed by Keith Haring, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Kenny Scharf y Arik Brauer that rotate musicalized by pieces of Miles Davis o Philip Glass. That’s how it is ‘Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy’, the first amusement park made by artists contemporaries of the 20th century.
The only one of its kind, the psychedelic fair, which recently opened its doors in Los Angeles, also has a mirror dome signed by Salvador Dalí, a pavilion by Roy Lichtenstein, an enchanted forest created by David Hockneyand one marriage chapel designed by André Hellerthe Austrian artist responsible for this initiative that was born almost four decades ago.
Heller, passionate about nomadic fairs and circuses, recruited some of the most established names on the art scene of the last century, as well as young figures who were beginning to emerge, to give life to his ‘Luna Luna’ project, an amusement park that would make art more accessible to people.
35 years in a container
The fair debuted in Germany in 1987, but after receiving thousands of visitors, the attractions, initially designed to tour the world, ended stored in containers for 35 yearsuntil they were acquired and restored by DreamCrew, Canadian musician Drake’s company.
Unique pieces emerged from the containers, such as Haring’s carousel in which their distinctive figures seem to come to life as colorful dancers, or the Basquiat’s white Ferris wheel with a strong component of social protest.
“Seeing something like these works of art in a carnival format… is something I’ve never seen before. It definitely exceeded my expectations,” said Douglas Hickman, 38. “For me, who am also an artist, this is a unique experience,” added this designer, who spent several minutes fascinated by Basquiat’s Ferris wheel.
“A time capsule”
Unlike what happened in Germany, where it premiered in an open-air park, this reopening takes place in a huge shed in the center of Los Angeles. With dark backgrounds, the exhibition gains a psychedelic effect and a museum feel. Another variation is that The public cannot ride the ‘Luna Luna’ attractions, which were originally conceived to be used. Now, however, they are seen as relics to be preserved.
Thanks to its twists, an exuberant play of lights and meticulous musical curation, the experience for visitors feels like an immersion in a carnival from another era. “We would love to get on,” admitted Adam Umber, who went with his 4-year-old son, Elias. “But I think it’s great that way. It’s a time capsule and you can see something that’s from 1987, but it hasn’t been on display since.”
Unlike carousels and ferris wheels, Dalí’s vault, Hockney’s enchanted forest and Heller’s chapel do allow you to interact and let yourself be carried away by the magic. “Marry a friend, or an enemy; marry a shoe or a crow (…) At Luna Luna love is love, even if you love a tuna,” announces Heller’s peculiar wedding chapel whose altar is framed by a groom and bride holding a heart.
Related news
Yoori Kim, who came to celebrate her 35th birthday, was inspired by the occasion and decided to marry… herself. “It’s my birthday, and I recently detoxed. So I thought it was a good time to celebrate my sober life and my future,” Kim said as the snapshot of her big day slowly revealed itself. “I feel a little overwhelmed because all of this is so stimulating, so beautiful. All the creativity that is here, the great art of the 20th century, I feel like they live through their works,” Kim said, pointing around her. “We need more of this,” she concluded.
‘Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy’ It will remain in Los Angeles until spring 2024.
#amusement #park #works #Dalí #Basquiat #reopens #Los #Angeles