In Every Transition, A Pattern

Downtown Brooklyn Partnership (DBP), NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) and MASARY Studios is excited to present a new light art installation along the block-long storefront windows of the iconic former Macy’s building on Fulton Street. In Every Transition, A Pattern displays rhythmic patterns of light, driven by audio recordings of the Downtown Brooklyn environment, to create a kaleidoscope of colored lights on the storefront windows and sidewalks.

In Every Transition, A Pattern responds to the energy of  Fulton Mall. It is an artwork driven by the corridor’s pulse, evoking rhythm through light in the building’s storefront windows while also inviting pedestrians to examine the liminal space between street and store. The artwork utilizes a structure installed in the interior of the storefront, creating a dynamic, evolving pattern of light, geometries and expressions all driven by audio recordings from Downtown Brooklyn. Music, conversation, traffic, pigeons, crosswalk signals, subway sounds, and more have been compiled by MASARY to create a sound score that is programmed to control the lighting patterns.

The project was funded by New York City Department of Small Business Services (SBS) through its Public Realm Grant program. The program’s goal is to empower community-based organizations to activate commercial corridors in the evening and help address nighttime safety concerns, celebrate local commerce and culture, reconnect communities that are divided by physical or perceived barriers, and cultivate innovation in public realm improvements.

“In Every Transition, A Pattern illuminates and celebrates the windows of a Downtown Brooklyn landmark on Fulton Street while reflecting the spirit of our community through light,” said Regina Myer, President of Downtown Brooklyn Partnership. “This temporary installation underscores our commitment to supporting local retail and revitalizing the public realm. We invite the community to experience the lights and then check out one of our great nearby businesses. We thank our partners at SBS for funding these efforts to enliven Brooklyn’s most famous shopping district.”

Leveraging the increased foot traffic to Fulton Mall, DBP is encouraging visitors to stay awhile and explore the neighborhood. Over a dozen local businesses are offering special incentives for the duration of the installation to entice customers to enjoy Downtown Brooklyn’s substantial offerings. The full list can be found here.

“Vibrant light installations like In Every Transition, A Pattern help increase both foot traffic and safety in commercial districts at night, and the Department of Small Business Services is proud to support projects like this that help to build communities,” said New York City Department of Small Business Services Commissioner Dynishal Gross. “This light installation celebrates Downtown Brooklyn’s entrepreneurial energy while creating a safe, fun, and interactive space for New Yorkers, their families, and neighbors to enjoy throughout the winter months. Congratulations and many thanks to the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership and MASARY Studios for their vision and execution.”

“This piece lives at the edge of the hustle, where the street meets the store. We are thrilled to create something dynamic, rhythmic and meaningful – and new – for Brooklyn,” said Ryan Edwards, MASARY Studios.

“As the jewel in the crown of Fulton Mall undergoes another transition, this work represents an innovative approach to making the most of temporarily vacant space,” said Albert Laboz, Chair of Fulton Mall Improvement Association and principal, United American Land. “In addition to complementing the public realm, this installation will provide light for pedestrians and add vibrancy to Brooklyn’s iconic retail corridor. We thank Downtown Brooklyn Partnership, NYC SBS and MASARY for their commitment to Downtown Brooklyn’s retail landscape.”

This is one of many temporary artworks that contribute to the neighborhood’s vital street life and introduce artists to Downtown Brooklyn. To select an artist for this project, Downtown Brooklyn Partnership invited over 50 artists, designers and lighting to apply, a process organized by DBP and SBS with McGregor Consulting.

The piece can be viewed through March 16 at 422 Fulton Street in Downtown Brooklyn.