‘Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy’ Returns, Bringing the World’s First Art Carnival to New York – Essence

returned in an enormous way, reopening at Shed in New York. The world’s first art carnival, which spent greater than 30 years in a Texas warehouse, now delights audiences on the second stop of its U.S. tour after debuting in Los Angeles.

Upon entering the exhibition, you’ll immediately be amazed by the carousel designed by Keith Haring. Showcasing his signature cartoon aesthetic, the famous graphics come to life on the seats, replicating the iconic, daring, outlined characters. His characters were also clearly visible on the back panels of the carousel, with a single figure placed on top and a wall behind the carousel tying the whole thing together in his unique style.

was born in 1987 and has a wealthy history. The front room of the exhibition featured a big selection of paintings featuring artists reminiscent of its founder André Heller. Back in 1974, Heller shared his vision for an artistically designed amusement park with other artists and friends. He continued this goal until 1985, when the magazine offered to finance the creation of an exhibition. After the carnival ended, it was placed in 44 containers and transported to Texas, where it lived for thirty years – until rapper Drake and his multimedia company DreamCrew invested almost $100 million to bring it back to life.

“So how did I persuade [them]? It was so easy it was hard to consider,” said Heller, convincing artists to participate in . “I asked everyone the same questions: Were you ever a child? Yes. Did you visit an amusement park as a child? Yes. Did you like it? Yes.”

While I could not wait to finish the surrounding narrative and its artists, I could not help but think I used to be missing something once I heard music, flashing lights, and cries and squeals in the next room. I entered the classic light sign with the inscription A and was transported to one other dimension. Immediately to my left was the Heller Wedding Chapel. The maid asked me, “Do you want to get married?” I replied, “I have no one to marry.” Then they said, “You don’t have to marry anyone, you can marry anything.” I giggled and watched people throw confetti for the newly “married” couple.

On the left side was a swinger designed by Kenny Scharf. When I pulled out my phone to start recording, it began to rotate to the beat of the music, illuminating multicolored swings and graffiti sketches on the installation’s interior column and roof. As I watched his movements, someone directed me to the center of the fair where actors and participants were seen dancing. it’s way more than a creative carnival; is an interactive exhibition blurring the boundaries between theater and visual art.

is stuffed with way more attractions than you could possibly ever imagine. It is an experience that engages all the senses, featuring works reminiscent of the Ferris wheel designed by Basquiat, which featured his signature sketches and the iconic words “the end.” The site also featured a mirror dome by surrealist pioneer Salvador Dalí, which was first unveiled at the World’s Fair. While you will not give you the chance to interact with , there are various interactive features you may participate in, reminiscent of a marriage ceremony, various optical illusion activities, and interacting with characters scattered throughout the exhibit.

may be viewed from today, November 20, until January 5 at The Shed.