Reflect, avant-garde exhibition of colorful lights, on display in Domino Park

March 8, 2021 Brooklyn Eagle Staff

A park-goer stands on an interactive circle that is part of the multi-sensory art exhibition Reflect in Domino Park on the Williamsburg waterfront, with the Williamsburg Bridge in the background. Jen Lewin, Reflect at Domino Park, Brooklyn, March 2021. Drone footage by Demian Neufeld, Ryders Alley Media, and Matt Emmi. Edited by Joshua Pullar. Artwork (c) 2021 Jen Lewin

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After gaining international recognition for its innovative social distancing circles, Domino Park on the Williamsburg waterfront on Friday unveiled a new outdoor public installation that park-goers can enjoy while observing social distancing.

Created by new-media artist Jen Lewin, whose studio is located on Water Street, Reflect is a multi-sensory experience that takes inspiration from the patterns created by organic systems found in nature.

The sculpture, spanning 2,400 square feet, consists of three concentric rings, each one made up of smaller interactive circles that respond to visitors’ steps, triggering splashes of light that create an ever-changing composition.

“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.

“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.”

Artist Jen Lewin, who is thrilled that her installation Reflect has come to her “hometown of Brooklyn.” Photo courtesy of Jen Lewin Studios

The installation is designed to encourage New Yorkers to pause for a moment of reflection and discovery, and inspire connection as the city enters a new era of hope and revival.

Although the exhibit was first featured in Tokyo during the spring and summer of 2020, Domino Park is the first exhibition venue that will display Reflect in the United States. It was created as a part of the larger 15,000 square foot work Cosmos.

During the day, Reflect’s glossy surface, which shows different colors when seem from different angles, mirrors the sky and surrounding environment, creating a surreal space.

At night, the sculpture animates and glows as viewers move across its ever-changing illuminated panels, powered by complex computer coding and hardware, all custom-developed by the artist.

Reflect at Domino Park allows for multiple individuals to engage with the work simultaneously, while maintaining six feet of social distance, making it an ideal public artwork for this moment.

To ensure all safety measures are followed, Domino Park staff will check on the installation as part of their regular park rounds.

“I’m thrilled that Reflect will make its American debut in my hometown of Brooklyn at Domino Park, where I hope New Yorkers will find a much-needed escape in the vibrant, playful nature of this work,” said Reflect artist Jen Lewin. “Reflect will continue to travel around the globe, bringing joy to adults and children alike during these extraordinary times.”

Reflect is free and open to the public. The immersive exhibit is open to park visitors between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. every day.

Domino Park, designed by landscape architecture firm James Corner Field Operations and privately funded by Brooklyn-based developer Two Trees Management, opened to the public in summer 2018. It allows direct access to the Williamsburg waterfront, which was previously inaccessible to the community for more than 150 years.

The work is closely related to the artist’s The Pool, a sculpture that has traveled to over 100 international exhibitions since 2008. Lewin’s next permanent installation, The Aurora, will be a two-story, permanent interactive sculpture that is programmed to reflect the seasons and live weather conditions in Minneapolis.