Brooklyn's influence on popular culture is on full display with the opening of Brooklyn Pop, a new art exhibit by artist Michael “Kaves” McLeer at Industry City.
McLeer, a Brooklyn native who first made his name as a graffiti artist in the 1980s, and the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce celebrated the opening of the exhibit with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sept. 26, according to a press release.
“People know Brooklyn’s a cool place, and it has become a brand. I’m going to teach you a little about how it became cool—the blood, the sweat, the tears,” said McLeer. “To me, Brooklyn rooftops are a religion, and the concrete is a cathedral. This installation is a tribute to the spirit that makes Brooklyn a cultural epicenter and a testament to the unique energy that defines our borough.”
Kaves showcases handmade sets, including a replica subway car and stations, and a collection of artifacts, audio, and visuals that tell the story of Brooklyn’s rise as the epicenter of culture. The narrative of Brooklyn Pop reflects the artist’s journey, illustrating the intersection of life and art, and highlighting the borough’s impact on popular culture around the world.
“Brooklyn Pop is a remarkable new interactive art installation by Kaves,” said Randy Peers, president and chief executive officer of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce. “This collaboration helps underscore Brooklyn’s status as a vibrant cultural epicenter, where creativity and community converge. With the opening of this exhibit, we honor the spirit of innovation and artistic expression that continues to define not only our borough but the world.”
The installation will feature scheduled activations where actors step into the space, merging with the art to create an interactive performance that blurs the line between imagination and reality. These live activations bring Kaves' vision to life, allowing the audience to experience Brooklyn’s culture in a dynamic and engaging way, the press release said.
The exhibit is open to the public Wednesday through Sunday from 12:00pm to 6:00pm until Dec. 28. Tickets can be purchased online or in person.
