In Pursuit of Freedom

In Pursuit of Freedom uncovers much of Brooklyn's lost slavery history and brings new voice and perspective to the ongoing question, "What is Freedom?"

Nearly one-third of Brooklyn was populated by slaves in the 1800s, and much of the story has been left untold. Potion set out to create an installation about activism that feels active. Working closely with Matter Practice, Potion conceived of a space that allows visitors to walk amongst the abolitionists. Rising up towards the 20 foot ceilings of the Brooklyn Historical Society, Potion designed a series of 4 projected, responsive columns with over 20 related artifacts glowing besides the columns.

Upon entering the exhibit, the columns rotate images of activists and highlight the lack of images for many activists. Contemporary questions are revealed with each of the activists and visitors are asked to look closer. A series of three stations, one per activist at each column, are accompanied by a pulley, and the visitor is prompted to pull to learn more. With each pull, the column updates with more images, quotes, and facts about the activist. Visitors quite literally raise questions as they interact with the columns, revealing key moments in each of the featured activists lives. The columns interact with the surrounding artifacts by adding spotlight to related objects when they are referenced on screen.