Ahoy Matey! Swoon’s Switchback Swashbuckers       (photo Laina Karavani)

After weeks on the mighty Hudson River, the peace-loving pirates of Switchback Sea made their heralded entrance at the Port of Deitch in Long Island City, with their effervescent captain at the helm.

Captain Swoon at the Helm (photo Laina Karavani)

Flotilla on the East River with The Manhattan Island Behind (photo Alison Dell)

The grand undertaking involved a veritable fleet of talent and beauty to successfully launch and land these ships of dreams, and the eagerly gathered crowd of friends and fans cheered wildly and gaily as each sculptural spectacular made it’s entry to land.

A Jubilant Marching Band Kept the Anticipation High (photo Alison Dell)

The boats, built by Swoon and compatriots, harken back to a place we’ve never been, except in childhood fantasies, and the multitude of shipmates aboard them were cleverly clad in ship-chic that alerted others.

Just swashbuckling steps away, the action continued inside the massive ship-hanger, where fans and friends were treated to a massive display of Swoon’s prints, woodcuts, paper, paint, and constructions.

A Cavernous Display of Swoon’s Work inside the Gallery

The installation continues through October 18, and will include music and dance performances on selected days until then.

Swimming Cities of Switchback Sea

Images by Laina Karavani and Alison Dell