Flatbush Floogies

1996 Brooklyn College – Flatbush Avenue (2, 5) New York City Transit

The ethereal “Flatbush Floogies” forms in bronze reliefs are sprites or nymphs who frolic on plaques in the station's entry and on the train platform, accompanied by legends that describe the history of the neighborhood, from the native Canarsie tribe to pirate Captain Kidd to the Brooklyn Dodgers. In the work, artist Muriel Castanis depicts absence by shaping flowing robes around bodies that are no longer there. The haunting result suggests their loss. To create her floating, hooded figures, Castanis "drapes" epoxy-saturated fabric, working it until satisfied with the shape, and letting it set until it hardens. Then she casts the pieces in bronze for permanence.