New Work by Conceptual Artist Fred Wilson Unveiled in Downtown Brooklyn's Columbus Park

Pedestrians making their way through Downtown Brooklyn’s Columbus Park will find a large-scale public sculpture by conceptual artist Fred Wilson has taken up residence on the area’s well-traveled plaza. It is a work that can’t be missed, as it stands in the midst of the walkway, demanding the viewer take a look.

Many did, some stopping their skateboards or scooters for a closer look, as a small crowd gathered on Tuesday night for the official unveiling of ‘Mind Forged Manacles/Manacle Forged Minds.’ Rendered in decorative ironwork, a material and ornamental language familiar to Brooklynites, the piece stands 10 feet tall and incorporates six figures who are locked inside two boxes and must be viewed through the layers of bars and scrollwork.

The title comes from the William Blake poem “London,” and Bronx-born Wilson spoke at the opening of the poem, ironwork he was introduced to in New Orleans and the Caribbean, and visits to a prison as influences on the work, which was developed in collaboration with More Art over several years.

“The beauty of ironwork,” Wilson told the assembled art lovers, “sometimes obfuscates its real purpose of security.”

The art, with ironwork fabricated by Gowanus-based A. J. Ironworks, sits between the resident sculptures of Henry Ward Beecher and Columbus. While More Art describes the work as “not strictly site specific,” the placement provides an opportunity for viewers to contemplate the other sculptures and concepts of freedom. Wilson’s work is the first public art placement in Columbus Park since 2007, according to New York City Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue, who also spoke at the event.

While an informational sign nearby gives a closing date of June 27, 2022, one day before it actually opened, the work is actually on view through June 27, 2023. Some of the funding for the project was provided by the Downtown Brooklyn + Dumbo Art Fund. A full calendar of events has not yet been released, but More Art will be collaborating with local organizations on public programs and performances to encourage dialogue and interaction with the piece.

[Photos by Susan De Vries]

Related Stories

• Making History: A Community Writing Project Brings Together a Brooklyn Neighborhood
• Photographer Irina Rozovsky Captures the Sights and Sounds of Prospect Park in New Book
• Film Chronicles Fort Greene Park’s Iconic Soul Summit Dance Party

Email tips@brownstoner.com with further comments, questions or tips. Follow Brownstoner on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.