PLAY FASCINATION by Philomena Marano. Cut paper collage, 1990s
In 2007, artist Philomena Marano’s signature art piece, “The World’s Largest Paper Lollypop,” paid tribute to Coney Island’s much-missed Philip’s Candy, which moved to Staten Island when Stillwell Terminal was rebuilt. Her latest tribute to a vanished Coney icon is this cut paper piece done in the early 90s and dedicated to Faber’s Fascination.
When Marano recently learned that Faber’s sign had gone dark, she posted the image on Facebook along with a note: “Do you remember the ‘FABERS FASCINATION’ sign made up of a million light bulbs? Visible as you got off the train station on Surf Ave- well, the sign was taken down recently. Tears.”
The piece is from Marano’s Coney Island series “American Dreamland,” which spans over 20 years (1979-present). “I think Faber’s Fascination, all lit up, was symbolic in the fact that it was the introduction to ‘Fascination’ in general…. as you left the train station & stepped into the Coney Island world,” says Marano.
In 1981, the Brooklyn native co-founded the Coney Island Hysterical Society with fellow artist Richard Eagan because they were “Hysterical” at the rate that the amusement rides and attractions were shutting down. Her work is currently on view in “Urbanessence,” a group exhibition at New York Institute of Technology’s Gallery 61 through October 7th. One of the pieces, “Vision for the Parachute Jump Pavilion,” is a composite of design ideas in collaboration with architect Philip Tusa for the Van Alen Institute competition in 2005.
Related posts on ATZ…
October 26, 2010: Studio Visit: Philomena Marano of the Coney Island Hysterical Society
September 9, 2010: Thor’s Coney Island: Faber’s Fascination Goes Dark After 50 Years
October 4, 2009: The Wonder of Artist Philomena Marano’s Wonder Wheel
June 13, 2009: June 13: Coney Island Hysterical Society Artists in Conversation at A.M. Richard Fine Art in Williamsburg
Amusing the Zillion 
Thanks so much for posting. I have revisted PLAY FASCINATION and I’m working on some new devotional pieces.
Thanks for posting and link. Working with Philomena on the Parachute Pavilion was inspiring and the project includes a wonderful stand-alone part, “Philomena’s Magic Clock”, a project we would like to see realized to add to Coney’s revival.
Philip, if you have a link to the piece that you did with Philomena or her Magic Clock please post it here! Wasn’t it in “Imagine Coney” at MAS?
Yes, Tricia, here are 2 links:
a YouTube video slideshow:
and a Flickr set:
/sets/72157611461025730/
Thanks.
Thanks! The designs are playful and colorful. I like the soundtrack too. Would be nice if they could be used in some kind of future construction in Coney.
What I don’t get about the Van Alen Contest is none of the designs, not even the winning one, will be built at the Parachute Jump.
Right, none of those designs were used….maybe the competition was created to get some ideas flowing? Anyway- Coney Island has needed a clock since the hands fell off the Coca Cola clock some time ago…. I guess in the late 70’s. Philip and I are thinking about how to propose the clock project, seriously. Any ideas- send em our way!