Crates Hidden Decades Unlock Artistic Masterpieces from Iconic Visionaries
The world’s first art funfair, Luna Luna, which featured iconic artists like Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat, has been rediscovered after decades of obscurity. The fair brought together some of the most renowned creative minds of its time to create an immersive experience for children in 1987.
Organized by little-known Austrian artist Andr Heller, Luna Luna was a groundbreaking project that combined art with carnival attractions. Visitors could ride on Haring’s colorful carousel, marvel at Basquiats vibrant Ferris wheel and explore David Hockneys fantastical Enchanted Tree pavilion. Other highlights included Roy Lichtenstein’s hall of mirrors, Salvador Dalis fun dome, and biscuits decorated by artist Gertie Fr?lich.
The fair was a commercial success for three months but faced financial troubles as plans to take it on a European tour were abandoned. The legal battle that ensued led to the shutdown of the rides, which were then disassembled and stored in shipping containers until their rediscovery decades later.
American entrepreneur Michael Goldberg stumbled upon Luna Luna through an art blog. Intrigued by its history, he reached out to Heller and proposed a new iteration of the Austrian’s original dream. Slowly building rapport with Heller, Goldberg learned that the attractions had been stored in 44 shipping containers in Austin, Texas.
To revive Luna Luna, Goldberg rallied investors including global rap star Drake via his investment company DreamCrew. The New York Times estimated they paid $100 million for the rights to restore and display the artwork. However, when Goldberg opened the first container, he was met with a daunting sight: much of the original merchandise had been torn apart.
Undeterred, Goldbergs team began meticulously reconstructing Luna Luna. The process involved artists, carnival technicians, curators and architects who worked together for years to recreate as many original elements as possible. Most of the rides are now housed in a massive 17,000-square-foot space at The Shed in New York City.
While children can no longer ride on Basquiats Ferris wheel or Haring’s carousel, visitors can still experience these iconic works up close. The fair also includes modern additions like a soundtrack by contemporary musicians Andr 3000, Jamie xx and Jockstrap, as well as performance artists contributing to the carnival-esque atmosphere.
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