Coney Island always warrants at least a few visits during the summer and one fortuitous day in 1985, while I was exiting one of the junk shops along Surf Avenue, I encountered a scattered group of whimsically costumed people collectively known as the Mermaid Parade. For over ten years I have documented the early days of this event (and on occasion participated, happily winning a medal in 1989).
Today, though I continue to visit and photograph my beloved Coney Island, because both the parade and the people documenting it have grown to vast proportions, in that regard I decided to move on.
All images are gelatin silver prints, often hand-colored with pencil.
All images are gelatin silver prints, often hand-colored with pencil.
VW Mermaid 1988
Wonder Wheel 1989
Fat Lady and Octopus Boy on Surf Avenue 1985
Merry Mermaid 1985
Twins on the boardwalk 1992
After the parade at Astroland 1996
Candace and the Thunderbolt 1989
Polar Bear Club 1990
Lynda Barry and El Vez 1991
Fish Hat and Parachute Jump 1990
M. C. Hammerhead 1992
King Neptune exiting the Ocean 1992
Primavera 1990s
Bubble Gun 1991
Woman with veil covering one eye 1991
Platinum Blond with Shell Bra
Astroland 1993
Cover - American Theatre Magazine 1992
Neptune with Trophy 1992
Mrs. Polar Bear 1988
Fish Purse 1990
Self Portrait as medal-winning mermaid 1989
Catch of the Day - Self Portrait 1990
Spectators on the Boardwalk 1994
Eating Ice Cream on Surf Avenue 1996
Coney Island Wall Painting
Hell Hole Amusement Ride at Astroland
2004
Thunderbolt 1991
Under the Boardwalk 1987
