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Merry-Go-Round
Merry-Go-Round, 1973
Oil on canvas
Gift of Grace La Gambina, 92.40.6

This vibrant composition was inspired by La Gambina's memories of his own joyful visits to Feltman's Carousel on Coney Island. By depicting a broad range of summer costumes on the foreground figures, he suggests the universal appeal of the merry-go-round to children and adults "of all backgrounds." With mini-skirted young women awaiting their turn is a mother holding a baby; the woman's modest head covering and ankle-length dress identify her as either a newly-arrived immigrant or a member of a religious sect.

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