Monumental Artworks Find New Home Along Gowanus Canal
Jen Lewin’s stunning sculptures, The Ursas, have traveled from the ephemeral desert of Burning Man to a permanent residence along Brooklyn’s Gowanus Canal. Installed at Nevins Landing on August 1, the sculptures stand as striking landmarks amid a neighborhood undergoing significant transformation as the cityscape evolves. Developed by Fogarty Finger and landscaped by Field Operations, this area is a pivotal part of the larger Gowanus Wharf campus.
Constellations Meet Environmental Art
The Ursas draws inspiration from the Ursa Major and Ursa Minor constellations. The larger sculpture, Ursa Major, towers at 30 feet, crafted from reclaimed ocean plastic. Enter its mirrored chamber to find illustrations of extinct species from the IUCN Red List. In contrast, the 13-foot Ursa Minor dazzles with infinity mirrors and programmable LEDs, offering a dynamic visual experience.
An Artistic Response to Environmental Change
“Jen Lewin explains, “The Ursas emerged from my study of the melting Ross Ice Shelf during The Last Ocean project.” This work symbolizes both the reality of environmental change and a call to action. While Ursa Minor seeks the North Star like a beacon, Ursa Major memorializes lost species through its design.
If you’re interested in art that addresses environmental themes, you might enjoy exploring the intersection of climate change and wildlife for a broader environmental perspective.
Brooklyn’s Waterfront Changes: Defining a New Era for Gowanus
The installation marks a significant shift for Gowanus, integrating public art into the neighborhood’s evolution. As some of the first artworks to define the Gowanus Wharf campus, The Ursas highlight the area’s transition from industrial roots to a blend of housing, parks, and civic spaces during this period of transformation.
Transported across the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge and hoisted over the Union Street Bridge, these sculptures are now integral to Brooklyn’s urban landscape. As the waterfront experiences its metamorphosis, what started in the Nevada desert has become a daily sight in the city.
For more on how public art and urban spaces can coexist, take a look at Henrique Oliveira’s ‘Corupira’ installation, which also merges art with its environment to tell a meaningful story.
Source: design-milk.com
Frequently asked questions
What are Jen Lewin’s Ursas sculptures made from?
The Ursa Major sculpture is crafted from reclaimed ocean plastic, while Ursa Minor incorporates infinity mirrors and programmable LEDs.
Where are the Ursas sculptures located?
The Ursas sculptures are located along Brooklyn’s Gowanus Canal at Nevins Landing.
What inspired Jen Lewin’s Ursas sculptures?
Jen Lewin’s Ursas sculptures were inspired by her study of the melting Ross Ice Shelf during The Last Ocean project.