At this time of great hardship and loss, Breathing Pavilion by Ekene Ijeoma offers a public space for communal meditation, self-reflection, and interconnectedness.
Breathing Pavilion comprises a 30-foot circle of 20 illuminated inflatable columns. These columns slowly modulate in brightness to illustrate a deep breathing technique designed to bring calm. Sit or stand around the pavilion, syncopating your breath with the lights and attuning yourself to a shared rhythm.
Co-produced by Van Alen Institute and the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership with support from Two Trees Management Co, Breathing Pavilion is part of Van Alen’s Public Realm R&D program which surfaces the work of emerging designers and tests new strategies to bring people together in public space.
Breathing Pavilion will also host a weekly series of site-specific performances. All performances begin at 6 pm and are drop-in (no RSVP required). Rain dates will be subsequent Fridays.
3/23: Kalia Vandever, Trombone (rain date 3/26)
3/30: Melanie Charles, Flute (rain date 4/2)
4/6: Joel Ross, Vibraphones (rain date 4/9)
4/13: Baba Don Babatunde, Percussion (rain date 4/16)
4/20: Neil Clarke, Percussion (rain date 4/23)
4/27: Lakecia Benjamin, Saxophone (rain date 4/30)
5/4: Participatory Drum Circle led by Mr. Fitz of the Brooklyn Music School (rain date 5/7)
Date TBA: Keyon Harrold, Trumpet
Ekene Ijeoma is an artist, professor of Media Arts and Science at MIT, and founder/director of the Poetic Justice group at MIT Media Lab. Through both his studio and lab at MIT, Ijeoma researches social inequality across multiple fields including social science to develop artworks in sound, video, multimedia, sculpture and installation.
Ijeoma’s work has been commissioned and presented by art institutions including Contemporary Art Museum of Houston, The Kennedy Center, Museum of the City of New York, Neuberger Museum of Art, and Annenberg Space for Photography. Ijeoma’s practice has also been supported by grants, fellowships and residencies including Creative Capital, Map Fund, Wave Farm, The Kennedy Center, and New York Foundation for the Arts.
Ekene Ijeoma: Breathing Pavilion will be on view through May 11, 2021 at The Plaza at 300 Ashland, Brooklyn, NY.
The Plaza at 300 Ashland is located at the intersection of Lafayette Ave and Flatbush Ave in Brooklyn, a short walk from the B/D, N/Q/R, 2/3, and 4/5 subway lines at Atlantic-Barclays, the G train at Fulton St, and the C train at Lafayette Ave, and several bus stops.
In keeping with COVID-19 guidelines, please wear a mask and stay at least six feet apart. You’re encouraged to move within and around the work, but do not touch the inflatables.
We’d love to see and share your photos! Use #BreathingPavilion and tag @van_alen.