Sideshow World, Sideshow Performers from around the world.

Attractions - Pt 3

For completely unknown reasons, this “Welcome to Coney Island Beach” sign is located over 45-minutes walking distance from the Coney Island-Stillwell subway station on the borderline of Coney Island Beach and Brighton Beach. So far, this is the only welcome sign of Coney Island Beach seen in the entire Coney Island area. I, Takeshi Yamada, was completely puzzled on this matter. (September 1, 2007)

A sculpture of a giant monster squid capturing a giant fish by the beach. There are no standing signs here to inform people about this monumental and costly public artwork. Most visitors to Coney Island never see this enormous artwork because it is located over 45-minutes walking distance from the Coney Island-Stillwell subway station. (September 1, 2007)

“First Symphony of the Sea” is a relief mural on the boardwalk by the New York Aquarium designed by a Japanese artist in 1991. Embodying Buddhism’s Zen-like tranquility, it is simple yet elegant and profoundly peaceful. Detail below. It truly represents the spirit of the Sea and Coney Island Beach.

A giant mural of the New York Aquarium on the Boardwalk painted in 2005. Detail below: Yes, Coney Island absolutely WAS the world during the summer 100 years ago. Mr. George Tilyou was correct. It was truly the golden era of the Coney Island. (August 24, 2007)

New York Aquarium’s entrance gate at the boardwalk grabs people’s attention with its whimsical design and ocean subject. I wonder why they used such bad colors for this costly gate. (August 24, 2007)

Pole banners. There are many pole banners reflecting attractions and history of Coney Island here. The aquarium exhibition is not free but worth every penny in my opinion. They had a major exhibition of live seahorses from all over the world a few years ago. (August 24, 2007)

The “West 8 Street New York Aquarium Station” (subway station, F and Q lines) is only one stop away from the end of the line, Coney Island-Stillwell Station. A nice wavy custom-made fancy station structure is visually quite charming unlike any other stations in New York City although it does not serve any physical practical functions whatsoever. I consider this wavy portion is a form of a public fine art sculpture. (August 24, 2007)

The Running Fence by Thor Equities (not by Christo and Jeanne-Claude). There are so many idiotic public “art projects” (such as “tree skirts” installation artworks) funded by the American government which are paid by tax payers’ money in New York City and other cities across this nation. By comparing those seemingly worthless government funded art projects to this, I would say this is a much better “site-specific and time-sensitive environmental installation artwork.” The color and texture of the plywood boards used here are truly impeccable and beautiful. (September 20, 2007)

Takeshi Yamada, Seara (the Sea Rabbit), and blonde mermaid at Coney Island Beach. (September 1, 2007)

Continue to Part 4

Museum of World Wonders in Coney Island, NYC. E-mail: yamada108@aol.com

http://www.sideshowworld.com/SSA-15.html

Special Thanks to Kris Roth (Senior Proofreader)

Header Artwork Based on an early Coney Island Post Card