Mookntaka (MOO-kin-tah-kah) is a Brooklyn-based artist duo by Mark Zlotsky and Karyn Lao. They believe in art that encourages people of all ages to connect through play. Utilizing mediums associated with arts-and-crafts, rudimentary shapes, and lively colors, Mookntaka designs interactive moments that bring people together.

Mookntaka’s Friends and Follies are a cast of inflatable sculptures who wander around the city to create pop-up public art installations. Whether it be a moment crossing the street or catching waves at the beach, the Friends and Follies enjoy finding the perfect spot to rest, play, and offer a moment of respite from everyday routine. When they’re ready, the Friends and Follies roll up and mosey along to the next location.

Thanks to the Brooklyn Arts Fund grant, Mookntaka is creating their largest and most interactive inflatable sculpture, Hedgehog! Hedgehog is a large, softly spiked donut covered in pool rings; it invites folks to borrow a ring and take a break. This summer, Hedgehog will be visiting parks and public spaces in Gowanus, Carroll Gardens, Park Slope, and Redhook to create temporary pop-up art installations.