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Oct 2: Coney Island Hysterical Art on Gowanus Artists Studio Tour

Posted in art, Events, tagged AGAST, Coney Island Hysterical Society, Gowanus Artists Studio Tour, Open Studio, Philomena Marano, Richard Eagan on October 1, 2010| Leave a Comment »

Logo from Coney Island Hysterical Society Newsletter, 1987. Image © Richard Eagan & Philomena Marano.

In 1981, Brooklyn artists Richard Eagan and Philomena Marano co-founded the Coney Island Hysterical Society because they were “Hysterical” at the rate that the amusement rides and attractions were shutting down. ATZ found the whimsical sketch pictured above in one of the CIHS newsletters which Richard sent us this summer. The Society’s very first newsletter, in 1983, explained the design’s origin: “Oh Boy! Oh Joy! Where do we go from here? The Coney Island Hysterical slogan (or ‘motto’) accompanies the dancing figures on our letterhead, and will appear in the 1983 Coney Island Mural. We chose this logo for its optimistic statement and varied assortment of characters united in celebration.”

Richard Eagan and Philomena Marano, 25 Shoot, 39 x 52 x 8, Mixed media, 2009

Richard Eagan and Philomena Marano, 25 Shoot, 39 x 52 x 8, Mixed media, constructed collage, silkscreen print, enamel on wood. 2009

Nearly three decades later, Eagan and Marano continue to create Coney-themed art in the studio that they share in Gowanus. This invite arrived today:

To All our Coney Island Fans, “Savers”, friends and beyond

On as short a notice as possible, please accept our invitation to tomorrow’s open studio event as part of this year’s Gowanus Artists’ Open Studio Tour. As most of you know, Philomena Marano and I are the core of the Coney Island Hysterical Society (still crazy after all these years); we have been sharing a studio and exploring collaborations based on Coney Island themes. We are also planning a joint exhibition of Coney works, and are seeking a venue to that end. We’d love to see you tomorrow some time between noon and six!

Best wishes on a rainy day,

Richard Eagan
Philomena Marano

Annual Gowanus Artists Studio Tour (AGAST), Richard Eagan & Philomena Marano Open Studio, Saturday, October 2, 12 – 6pm. 267 Douglass Street, 3rd Floor, between Nevins St. and Third Avenue, Brooklyn. Subway: R Train to Union Street, one block to Third Avenue, three blocks to Douglass Street

Related posts on ATZ...

September 19, 2010: Art of the Day: Play Fascination by Philomena Marano

October 31, 2009: Traveler: Carnival Rides as Public Art at Toronto’s Nuit Blanche

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

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Art of the Day: Play Fascination by Philomena Marano

Posted in art, tagged Coney Island, Coney Island Hysterical Society, cut paper collage, Faber's Fascination, Philomena Marano, signage, typography on September 19, 2010| 6 Comments »

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.

The Wonder of Artist Philomena Marano’s Wonder Wheel

Posted in art, tagged ACA Galleries, collage, Coney Island, Philomena Marano, Wonder Wheel on October 4, 2009| Leave a Comment »

Coney Island's Wonder Wheel: Swingin', Stationary by Philomena Marano

Swingin’, Stationary by Philomena Marano. Cut paper collage. From the exhibition “New York Then and Now” at ACA Galleries ~~through October 10~~. Extended through October 27, 2009

Last week ACA Galleries hosted a Meet the Artists reception for their current group exhibition celebrating “New York Then and Now.” Coney Island’s legendary attractions provided the inspiration for several works, including painting, sculpture and collage. Artist Philomena Marano, who is known for her bold and colorful cut paper collages of Coney’s amusement rides and signs, talked about her favorite subject matter:

The “Wonder Wheel” ferris wheel is continuously inspiring to me because it has two worlds — the one above, riding the sky and the one below, bathed in rhythmic patterns of light & shadow. Both are at once industrial and enchanted.

In “Swingin’, Stationary,” I hope to evoke not only the visual complexities of linear tension but also the sounds of gears turning, motors humming, and the sonorous chords of cars swinging. All magic. If you’re going to ride it, I suggest the swingin’ car!

The group exhibit “New York Then and Now,” which includes the work of George Ault, Romare Bearden, William Gropper, Reginald Marsh, Faith Ringgold and Herb Rogoff, among others, continues through October 10 27. 2009 ACA Galleries, 529 West 20th St., 5th floor, New York, 212-206-8080.

ATZ enjoys the roller coaster-like thrill of the swinging cars, too. There’s still time to go for a spin on the Wonder Wheel this season– Deno’s Wonder Wheel Park is open weekends and school holidays through Monday, October 12. Weather permitting of course. Call ahead for hours of operation. Deno’s Wonder Wheel Park, 3059 W 12th St, Coney Island, 718- 372-2592.

Related posts on ATZ...

October 26, 2010: Studio Visit: Philomena Marano of the Coney Island Hysterical Society

September 19, 2010: Art of the Day: Play Fascination by Philomena Marano

October 31, 2009: Traveler: Carnival Rides as Public Art at Toronto’s Nuit Blanche

June 13, 2009: June 13: Coney Island Hysterical Society Artists in Conversation at A.M. Richard Fine Art in Williamsburg