Jen Lewin, an internationally renowned new media and interactive sculptor based in New York, has given Brooklynites and New Yorkers something to reflect on-literally and physically. Her immersive art exhibit titled ‘Reflect,’ positioned in Domino Park, “is an environment of giant, reflective concentric circles created from interactive circular pads. During the day, Reflect will shift in color and reflection, giving daytime viewers the illusion of swimming in the clouds and nighttime viewers a feeling of the universe’s expansiveness” (www.jenlewinstudio.com).
Domino Park is a 5-acre public park located along the East River in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
Built on the site of the former Domino Sugar Refinery, it’s a tribute to the diversity and resiliency of generations of Domino workers, their families and their neighborhood (www.dominopark.com). It is the perfect setting for this exhibit, in the open air, with the Manhattan skyline backdrop. At any time of day, it’s simply magical.
“Throughout 2020, Domino Park has worked to find creative ways to keep visitors both safe and engaged. As the uncertain start of another unprecedented year commences, Jen Lewin’s installation at Domino Park will symbolize new beginnings and togetherness,” said Michael Lampariello, Director of Domino Park. “We are thrilled to feature such a distinguished, yet accessible, artist for all to enjoy here on Brooklyn’s waterfront.”
Lewin’s intent was to create an outdoor community space that invites discovery and play. “I want people to play, to dance, and most of all to engage with each other safely after spending so long apart. Play creates joy for people of all ages—we tend to forget as we get older, and I want my sculptures to remind people that these truly joyful moments in life are important to our wellbeing,” she says.
“This installation comes at just the right moment, people are craving safe ways to enjoy the city. Domino Park has always excelled at providing that, and this installation is no different,” said Kate Gavriel, Cultural Affairs Director of Two Trees Management Co. “We are thrilled to be working with the amazing artist Jen Lewin to create this unique and interactive public space for all New Yorkers to engage with and enjoy.”
Public parks have become a safe haven during the pandemic offering wide open spaces for solo use or safe small gatherings. Lewin adds, “public parks have taken on even greater significance as one of the only safe spaces for people to experience community, to exercise, and to get fresh air during the pandemic. I hope that Reflect will be considered a celebration of New York’s resilience, and of our hopeful return to normalcy in 2021–22.”
Lewin reflects on how the community has received the installation. “I have been overwhelmed by the positive reception we’ve had in Brooklyn. As a long-term resident of New York, I was tremendously excited to display my work at Domino Park and have the opportunity to experience the beautiful community. We’ve seen people and diverse groups from all over the city, and of all ages come to visit Reflect. The responses have been inspiring, and sometimes even funny. One young child asked me “What’s the catch? Anything this fun must have a catch.” By the way, there isn’t a catch—but I loved getting this true New Yorker question from one of Reflect’s youngest visitors.”
Reflect is free and open to the public at Domino Park in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. daily. And if you can’t get out there, enjoy this stunning drone footage by JenLewin Studio.
Banner photo credit: Jen Lewin Reflect at Domino Park, Brooklyn, 2021