Luna Luna: A Forgotten Fantasy Reborn
Thirty-seven years ago, Forgotten Fantasy: Luna Luna opened its doors in Hamburg, Germany, as the world’s first art park. Designed by André Heller, this colorful, vibrant attraction brought together carnival rides created by 20th-century visionaries like Basquiat, Haring, Lichtenstein, and Delaunay. However, after its closure, these masterpieces were stored away for 36 years in Texas. In 2023, Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy made a spectacular return, debuting in Los Angeles, and is now wowing audiences at The Shed in New York City.
The exhibition features works from legendary artists such as Jean-Michel Basquiat, Arik Brauer, Salvador Dalí, Sonia Delaunay, Keith Haring, David Hockney, Roy Lichtenstein, and Kenny Scharf. Some artists traveled to West Germany to work on the project, while others sent their designs to Vienna, where a dedicated team brought these bold ideas to life.
Key attractions include Georg Baselitz’s Shadow Room, David Hockney’s The Enchanted Tree, and Roy Lichtenstein’s colorful glass labyrinth. Keith Haring’s carousel, featuring seats shaped like cartoon characters, and Jean-Michel Basquiat’s Ferris wheel inspired by his signature baboon image are among the most striking pieces. Kenny Scharf created six comic sculptures and over 100 paintings displayed around a vibrant swinging carousel. Other pieces include a gatehouse by Sonia Delaunay, a reflective pavilion by Dalí, and a hand-painted circus car by August Walla. Each attraction is paired with an original soundtrack by composers such as Philip Glass, Herbert von Karajan, and Miles Davis.
In honor of Joseph Beuys, who passed away in 1986, Heller created a manifesto authorized by Beuys years earlier. Heller also contributed pieces like the “wedding pavilion” and “head hole in the wall.” Although Andy Warhol had planned to participate, his death in 1987 led to a tribute booth where visitors could take photos with life-sized images of figures like Albert Einstein, Marilyn Monroe, and Marlene Dietrich, in homage to Warhol's famous “15 minutes of fame” concept.
In 2023, the Luna Luna book was republished in its first English translation by Phaidon, featuring Heller's updated foreword. Initially planned to tour Europe and the U.S. in the late 80s, Luna Luna was temporarily displayed in San Diego in 1991 before being packed away in shipping containers for over 20 years. In 2022, Luna Luna was revived for a global tour with support from Drake’s DreamCrew and Live Nation, showcasing half of the 30 original attractions. Although the rides are not operational due to modern safety concerns, the exhibition continues to captivate visitors worldwide.
"I felt like I was in a fairytale city," says one visitor, reflecting on the mesmerizing experience. “Basquiat’s surreal Ferris wheel made my head spin. I wish I could have ridden it. Long live Luna Luna!”
Kenny Scharf: A Retrospective of Pop Surrealism
This exhibition brings together more than 70 paintings, sculptures, and objects from Kenny Scharf’s career, which began in the late 1970s. Scharf’s work, drawn from the Brant Collection and major loans from The Whitney Museum and The Broad, highlights his pivotal role in the 1980s East Village art scene.
Known for his surreal, psychedelic scenes with a comic sensibility, Scharf blends bold colors, dynamic patterns, and cartoonish figures. Works like When the Worlds Collide (1984) reflect his ability to mix playful, chaotic elements with underlying societal concerns, such as fears of nuclear disaster. His Juicy Jungle (1984) epitomizes his vibrant, cartoonish style, while later works, like Baccanalba (Alba Clemente) (2003), showcase a more personal side of his art, portraying friends and collaborators with a touch of whimsy.
Scharf’s pop-surrealist approach, influenced by street art and the culture of the 1980s, continues to inspire artists today. "Surrealism is about the subconscious," Scharf says, “and my subconscious is full of pop imagery. So, my art is pop surrealism.”
Winter Jazzfest 2025: A Celebration of Innovation
The New York Winter Jazz Festival, held from January 9-15, 2025, promises to be a celebration of jazz’s evolution. Since 2005, the festival has showcased the intersection of jazz with other genres, and this year’s event will feature nearly 150 bands and over 600 artists across Manhattan and Brooklyn. The festival’s unique format, especially the Marathon nights, offers an immersive experience for jazz enthusiasts.
Winter Jazzfest is dedicated to supporting diverse voices and promoting racial justice through the arts. Founded by Brice Rosenbloom, it continues to be a driving force in the contemporary jazz scene.
Makaya McCraven: Redefining Jazz
Makaya McCraven, a drummer, composer, and producer, is known for blending live improvisation with innovative production techniques. Her performances at Winter Jazzfest demonstrated her dynamic approach to jazz and her commitment to collaboration. McCraven’s music bridges the gap between tradition and modernity, reflecting her belief in the evolving nature of jazz.
Adi Oasis: A Rising Star
Adi Oasis, the French-Caribbean artist, brings her most personal work to the stage with her debut album Lotus Glow. The album, which has garnered over 30 million streams, blends funk, retro-futuristic production, and powerful vocals. Adi’s journey as a black immigrant in America is at the heart of her work, which continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
Isaiah Collier: A Multitalented Visionary
Isaiah Collier, a multi-instrumentalist and educator, has emerged as a standout at Winter Jazzfest. Known for his powerful drumming and saxophone skills, Collier’s performances highlight his deep understanding of jazz and his innovative contributions to the genre.
Jon Batiste: A Musical Gift
Jon Batiste, with his emotive piano playing, captivated Winter Jazzfest audiences. A natural talent from New Orleans, Batiste’s connection to jazz’s rich tradition shines through in his performances, inspiring audiences with his deeply expressive music.