Luna Luna: Forgotten fantasy

A vibrant journey into an artistic wonderland

Read time 2 minutes 20 seconds

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una Luna was, an unforgettable, immersive experience that brought the wild and colorful world of carnival-inspired art to life. It featured the visionary works of legendary 20th-century artists, the exhibit transported visitors into a whimsical fun house filled with bold creations and playful masterpieces.

Originally conceived by artist André Heller, Luna Luna first opened its doors in 1987 in Hamburg, Germany, as an extravagant fairground unlike any other. It enchanted the 300,000 visitors who rode its vintage-style carnival rides that were also original art installations designed by emerging-artists. However, due to a twist of fate, the exhibit’s spectacular treasures were lost for decades, hidden away in storage for 36 years. In November 2024, Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy made a triumphant return in New York City, and captured the imagination of audiences with its vibrant spectacle.

This past weekend, I had the incredible opportunity to experience Luna Luna in person at The Shed in New York City. An innovative fusion of carnival-like energy and high art, designed to challenge traditional boundaries and invite people to experience art from a completely new perspective, the installation took over the Shed’s gallery and adjacent plaza in the middle of Hudson Yards.

The exhibition was a feast for the senses, and featured large-scale interactive installations, vibrant sculptures, and fantastical landscapes. Set against a magical carnival backdrop, it showcased an enormous Ferris wheel painted by the legendary Jean-Michel Basquiat and whimsical rides that doubled as both functional experiences and art pieces. While we couldn’t ride these masterpieces, the visual impact was undeniable.

Life-sized puppet sculptures—surreal creatures, dreamlike beings, and larger-than-life characters—lined the exhibition space, inviting visitors to touch, interact, and immerse themselves in this captivating world. Some of the puppets even came to life in live performances, seamlessly blending art and theater in mesmerizing, theatrical displays that blurred the line between art and performance.

Luna Luna also featured an array of multimedia installations, including video projections and immersive elements that heightened the dreamlike atmosphere. The fusion of these captivating elements, infused with the energy of 1980s pop culture, created an experience that was both timeless and ahead of its time. Iconic artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat, Sonia Delaunay, Keith Haring, Robert Rauschenberg, David Hockney, Roy Lichtenstein, Kenny Scharf, and Salvador Dalí brought their distinctive artistic visions to the exhibition, making it an unmissable celebration of creativity and imagination.

This is not just an exhibit; it’s a vibrant celebration of art, culture, and fun that will leave you inspired and awe-struck. Luna Luna is a must-see spectacle that redefines what an art exhibition can be.