"Between the ongoing struggles in the racial and political movements in the United States and the COVID-19 pandemic, it can be difficult to find the time and space to breathe deeply and rest well. I held my breath for most of last year..." — these are the words of Ekene Ijeoma, artist, professor of Media Arts and Science at MIT, and founder/director of the Poetic Justice group at MIT Media Lab.

On March 16, Ijeoma unveiled his public installation Breathing Pavilion to the public. Located at The Plaza at 300 Ashland in Brooklyn, the pavilion was co-produced by Van Alen Institute and the not-for-profit local development corporation Downtown Brooklyn Partnership.

The idea of public space installations is nothing new. However, after learning about Ijeoma's project, his design intentions and open invitation to the public are what I appreciate the most. "I held my breath for most of last year, waiting to exhale into a new administration and new vaccines," he shared in a statement to Van Alen. "It will still take some time before we see large-scale change. Until then, in these next few weeks, this pavilion is here to invite the public to breathe into the change within each of us, in sync with one another."

The installation is constructed from 20 nine-foot illuminated inflatable columns. Its two-tone appearance offers this visual "division" between the inside and outside spaces of the structure. The 30-foot-wide circular site may appear like another eye-catching lighting exhibition, but once visitors draw near, the columns gradually adjust in overall brightness to mimic a deep breathing technique intended to help individuals reach a moment of calm while in the space.

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Breathing Pavilion offers sanctuary at a time of intense hardship and loss, suggests a paradigm shift towards communion and meditative stillness, and creates an accessible space of reprieve when the act of breathing itself is under siege. — Ekene Ijeoma

It's interesting that an installation reminding us to breathe is something I find most desirable at this moment. Sure there have been plenty of wonderful projects and exhibitions unveiled this past year. Yet, in light of the pandemic, attacks on marginalized communities, ongoing examples of white supremacy on top of lives lost, injustices, and political unrest, perhaps this installation will serve as a moment of pause and stillness for those who can experience it in person.

In its project description, it was "created in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and systemic racial injustice in the United States, Breathing Pavilion offers sanctuary at a time of intense hardship and loss, suggests a paradigm shift towards communion and meditative stillness, and creates an accessible space of reprieve when the act of breathing itself is under siege."

Breathing Pavilion is part of Van Alen Institute's Public Realm R&D program and will be on display from now until May 11, 2021.

*As a reminder and keeping with COVID-19 guidelines, Van Alen Institute reminds visitors to be responsible while experiencing the installation. Wearing masks and keeping a safe distance between strangers are required when moving within and around the piece.