Arts for Transit and Urban Design

Brighton Beach

Dan George

Mermade/Dionysus and the Pirates, 1999

Aluminum sculptures on elevated platform

Brighton Beach, near Coney Island, was once one of New York City's prime seaside entertainment and recreation areas. "The sea is ancient, rich, and mysterious," says Dan George. "I wanted Dionysus to intrigue people and to remind them of the sea's mythic history and thereby spark the creation of their own dreams and fantasies." Dolphins - six pairs and a singleton - are used by the artist to depict the metamorphosis from human to animal. These have a light and supple appearance, belying the materials from which they are made - sturdy, solid and durable aluminum plate and the way that natural light reflects off the water plays on the satiny polished finish and planes of the sculptures giving it buoyancy.