Coney Island

“Coney Island”

In the mid-1960s Fasanella briefly moved away from creating works that dealt with the major political issues of the day and turned once again to the urban environment of New York for the subject matter. In “Coney Island” the artist divides the canvas horizontally to make a stark contrast between the workday life of the city along the lower margin with the fun and relaxation of the famous beachside amusement park at the top. Fasanella enjoyed depicting working people at leisure to convey a sense of their zest for life.

Painting by Ralph Fasanella from the collection of the American Folk Art Museum.

See the Ralph Fasanella exhibit for more information.