Existing comment:
Carnival
1936
gouache on paper
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase through the Luisita L. and Franz H. Denghausen Endowment 2017.22
Coney Island was a favorite haunt of many New York artists who wanted to capture modern urban life. Tamayo dedicated at least three works to the subject, with two on view here. While small in scale, Coney Island offers a panoramic view of the park's iconic rides, performers, and cheering audiences. Carnival focuses on Luna Park, a section within Coney Island known for its electric lights. Tamayo captured Luna Park's distinctive features -- including its heart - shaped and crescent moon decorations, parading clowns, and crowded spectators -- but it is the inventive way he married these references with abstract patterns that takes center stage. |