Arts for Transit and Urban Design

Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue

Robert Wilson

My Coney Island Baby, 2004

Glass brick wall at street level

My Coney Island Baby at the Stillwell Avenue subway terminal is big, bold, and attention-grabbing. Images are silk-screened onto glass bricks that form a Vista glass-brick wall. In the artist's words, "I see a glass wall built as a celebration of life and joy containing all sorts of different images relating to the history of one of the greatest landmarks in the city, Coney Island." The popular image of Coney Island is the amusement park and beach, but the neighborhood is also solidly residential. My Coney Island Baby focuses on this variety, featuring the recreational attractions as well as the people who live, work, and play here. As light conditions change My Coney Island Baby does as well. In daylight, with the sun streaming in, its images and colors are boldly illuminated. At night it glows from within, adding mystery to the surroundings. Wilson is internationally known for his work in experimental theater and here he brings his visionary stagecraft to public art with great effect.