Alex Poots, creative co-founder of The Shed, described the journey as a “Raiders of the Lost Ark story”, in reference to the film, praising Heller’s ability to commission artists of such high calibre while finding a format appealing to “art lovers and yet to be art lovers.”
“That is a holy grail kind of pursuit,” he added.
Most of the original rides are now housed in a towering 17,000-square foot space. There, exhibition-goers can “marry” one another in Heller’s Wedding Chapel – originally a form of protest art against anti-LGBTQ marriage laws of the 80s.
Hockney’s Enchanted Tree Pavilion still smells faintly sweet, as if stampeding children once crushed fallen popcorn into its floor.
Goldberg’s wish to incorporate “today’s greatest artists” is fulfilled with a soundtrack by modern musicians André 3000, Jamie xx and Jockstrap echoing around the space.
Drake isn’t involved day-to-day but, “he is passionate about Luna Luna and has provided his full support since the beginning,” Gonzales said.
