outdoor sculpture illuminated at night
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Temporary Art Installation at Wyckoff Gardens That Will Make You Smile

LaToya

From now through August 2026, Wyckoff Gardens is one of three sites in Gowanus, Brooklyn, featuring Friends from the Canal, a public art installation of “cheerful mutant” sculptures produced by the Van Alen Institute. The colorful creatures that light up at night are inspired by life in the Gowanus Canal – and they imagine what might emerge from the canal waters to explore the neighborhood.  

Wyckoff Garden’s cheerful mutant, Loofa. Photo by Argenis Apolinario.

The sculptures were created by local artist duo Mookntaka, selected through an open call by a committee of residents and community leaders in collaboration with Van Alen. The installation at Wyckoff Gardens was carried out in close coordination with the Wyckoff Gardens Resident Association and the development’s property management staff. 

Wyckoff Gardens Resident Association President Valerie Bell at the opening event. Photo by Argenis Apolinario.
Approximately 90 people attended the opening event. Photo by Argenis Apolinario.

Friends from the Canal is produced by Van Alen Institute and made possible by a Public Realm Grant for Commercial District Lighting from the NYC Department of Small Business Services; public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council; and by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. 

Karyn Lao and Mark Zlotsky, the artistic duo Mookntaka, at Wyckoff Gardens. Photo by Argenis Apolinario.

Learn more about the art installation at Friends from the Canal – Van Alen Institute. 

Featured photo caption: Loofa, the sculpture at Wyckoff Gardens, lights up at night. Photo by Cameron Blaylock.