Artwork copyright Richard Glazer-Danay. Photo courtesy of the artist, 1986.

Artwork copyright Richard Glazer-Danay. Photo courtesy of the artist, 1986.

Artwork copyright Richard Glazer-Danay. Photo courtesy of the artist, 1986.

Coney Island Mask, 1981

Richard Glazer-Danay
American Haudenosaunee Confederacy Mohawk (born 1942)

Location: Western Washington University, Bellingham

About the Artwork

Coney Island Mask is a richly colorful conceptual sculpture by Native American artist Richard Glazer-Danay. Referencing the "carnival brightness" and "neon/plastic ambience" he experienced growing up in Coney Island and Hollywood, this piece features surreal and symbolic imagery, painted onto bone. This artwork is part of Beyond Blue Mountains, a collection that was curated by late Tlingit (Native Alaskan) artist Jim Schoppert. It presents the work of Native American artists of diverse heritage, ideas, materials, and styles. The collection takes an in-depth look at the artists’ unique voices and interpretations of tradition.

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Western Washington University.

About the Artist

Native American artist Richard Glazer-Danay is of Caughnawaga Mohawk and Jewish descent. He grew up in Coney Island, New York and Hollywood, California. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from California State University, Northridge, a Master of Fine Arts degree from California State University, Chico, and a Master of Fine Arts degree from California State University, Davis.