Coney Island fans can appreciate the charms
of the beach and boardwalk in a whole new way at an exhibit now
on display in the Brooklyn Public Library’s Grand Army Plaza
branch.
"Coney Island: Boardwalk Idyll" is an exhibition of
paintings by artist Lewis Bryden. The artist began his "Boardwalk
Idyll" series in 1980, and has lived in Brooklyn for 14
years.
The paintings on display at the library range from a group of
teens intently watching the progress of a pinball wizard to a
young woman and child taking a break in a fast food shack. In
"Kiosk" (pictured), Bryden paints a young, curvy sunbather
against the boardwalk’s stark landscape and sharp-edged shadows
in an arresting Edward Hopper-like style.
Curiously, amidst all of these amusements, Bryden’s subjects
remain unsmiling. A visitor to the exhibit, however, will certainly
be happy to have made the trip.
"Coney Island: Boardwalk Idyll" is on display in the
Central Library’s Lobby Gallery through Aug. 21. The exhibition
is free and open during regular library hours Tuesday through
Saturday.
