Luna Luna Review

I was excited to review the 2023 / 2024 Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy recreation of the 1987 art amusement park. Created by André Heller, it originally opened in Hamburg, Germany. Heller enlisted iconic artists, Sonia Delaunay, Salvador Dalí, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, David Hockney, and many more to contribute art for the outdoor fairgrounds. These were actual rides in addition to works of art. Sadly, It ran for only seven weeks. The artworks for this extraordinary production were stored and seemingly lost for thirty five years…until now!

Luna Luna Review

Rapper/singer DRAKE, along with his media company DreamCrew, resurrected this fantastical one-of-a-kind art exhibition. Housed at the Ace Mission Studios, a 60,000-square-foot warehouse in DTLA, there is plenty of space for this sprawling art amusement park. The exhibition encompasses two large rooms separated by the iconic arch, created by Sonia Delaunay in 1987.

The reboot of the historic spectacle has been developed by Luna Luna’s creative studio, led by Michael Goldberg of Something Special Studios as well as Charles Dorrance-King. The curation was directed by Lumi Tan and team, in conjunction with curatorial advisor Helen Molesworth.

André Heller’s inflatable Dream Station welcomed us just outside the entrance. After checking in, we wandered through a corridor of dark blue to a small room. A brief introductory video welcomed us.

Luna Luna’s Iconic Artists

Then the first installation our eyes feasted on was an ornate swing ride by Kenny Scharf. His undeniable signature style was all over the amusement ride (see above). I immediately stopped…and watched it spin. It took me back to 1987. I thought of those people in the photos I saw. I could hear the murmur of the crowd. How lucky were those attendees who experienced this art park first hand. Unlike at the original Luna Luna, these rescued artwork rides by renowned artists are for viewing only. They are NOT for riding now.

*The art of Keith Haring; photo courtesy of ETG*

Next, I noticed Keith Herring’s work. There was a carousel in addition to two walls of his easily recognizable pop art brand. The ambiance of the room changed depending on the marvelous soundtrack. Also, the lighting allowed certain installations to shine at different times. The outside of the Enchanted Tree by David Hockney changed colors as the lights dimmed.

Impish Art

At first glance, the installations were whimsical, yet the more I looked, the more bizarre images I noticed. Impish flatulence humor was the central theme of Manfred Deix’s Palace of the Winds. Look closely, to see characters shooting out poofs of wind from their butts onto others. One has to remember the temperament of a typical artist here.

Other dominant works included Arik Brauer’s Carousel (see photo below) and Sonia Delaunay’s arched entry way which connected the two rooms. I especially loved the photo archive wall by Sabina Sarnitz.

As you walk into the second room, your eyes cannot resist landing on the centerpiece – Basquiat’s Ferris Wheel.This was outrageously and offensively magnificent. A soundtrack of the legendary musician Miles Davis filled the room, as I watched the rotating ferris wheel which dates back to the 1930s.

Lit up with white lights, random art dotted the amusement ride, most notably a baboon’s ass. Quirky words and phrases were transcribed on each ferris wheel carriage.

Luna Luna’s Film About the 1987 Art Park

I highly recommend watching a film featuring the 1987 fair, found in a small curtained off movie theater. The film was fascinating. It shows the public interacting with many of the same installations, in addition to others not currently on display. You also see the artists working and hanging out together. Apparently robotic theatre was a big part of the 1987 production….thanks to Jim Whiting.

Next to that is Roy Lichtenstein’s labyrinth maze with music by Philip Glass. People could walk through this in 1987. However, entering now is not an option. Another installation, which you can walk into, is Dalídom pavilion, a geodesic dome by Salvador Dalí. Entry is only for those who purchased a moon pass. See below for more info on this.

André Heller celebrates love with his recreated installation, the Wedding Chapel. Per the Luna Luna’s imaginative law, “anyone and everyone can marry what and whom they want.” Unfortunately, this is a sentiment that many people are still fighting for to this day.

More Must See Installations at Luna Luna

Another point of interest, near the back wall, is the dual shipping container installation with boxes and packaging representing the 35 years this exhibition was in storage. Each has a tv screen displaying the process of unloading the shipping crates from 1987. The videos showed the unpacking of these newly found artworks as well as the reassembling of the installations.

Also in this area is a series of display cases showcase objects from the 1987 amusement park. Original drawings and notes by the seminal artists, as well as memorabilia, retro t-shirts and sweatshirts (some in tatters) are examples of what is displayed here. Close by you will find some of the robotic sculptures (no longer working) by Jim Whiting on display. Additional artworks by Joseph Beuys and Monika GilSing can also be found here.

Long Shot View of Kenny Scharf’s work in the First Room; Photo courtesy of ETG

Immersing myself in the reawakening of Luna Luna was a mesmerizing experience. The music featured throughout the exhibit added to the audacious spectacle. During the time of my visit, every once in a while, I heard a bell ring from the other side of the room. It brought a smile to my face, since I knew that someone was getting married to whoever they wanted.

One of a Kind Exhibition

I was glad to see this historic art extravaganza out of its shipping containers and thriving after all those years. Kudos to the producers, artists, curators and all involved in putting together this superb re-creation. Trust me…you won’t want to miss this exhibition, so book your tickets now. The Los Angeles run has been extended through the Spring of 2024.

Arik Brauer’s Carousel: Photo courtesy of ETG

One can purchase a General Admission ticket or a Moon Pass which allows you entry inside David Hockney’s Enchanted Tree as well as Salvador Dalí’s Dalídom Pavilion. Getting to walk inside these two installations is pretty cool but certainly not essential to enjoy Luna Luna. The Moon Pass however does include free parking. Be sure to check the website for ticket prices and additional info. It may be coming to a city near you sooner than you think. Luna Luna. 1601 E. 6th Street, LA, 90023; https://lunaluna.com

CLICK HERE to view lots more images (including David Hockney’s Enchanted Tree on ETG’s Instagram page.

If you would like to read a more in-depth article about the original art park, CLICK HERE to read an informative story in the LA Times.

BTW – the day I experienced Luna Luna, I also reviewed Pizzeria Bianco. CLICK HERE to read my review; CLICK HERE to read more Arts & Entertainment articles.