Organized by the Gowanus Memorial Artyard, Gowanus Canal Redefined presented proposals from an architectural competition that called for critical reinterpretations of the Gowanus Canal area in Brooklyn, New York. Once a vital industrial complex, by the early 1980s the area was suffering from neglect. In addition to a multitude of under—used factory buildings, the neighborhood featured a seawater canal, open park spaces and close proximity to Manhattan and public transportation. It was requested that proposals address and incorporate these elements.

Gowanus Canal Redefined was intended to facilitate interaction between artists and their community, stimulating analyses of geographical, economic and social conditions. Participants included Todd Ayoung, Dennis Joyce, Stephen Korns, Joe Lewis, Brian McMahon, Kristin Steen
Curators: Frank Shifreen, Scott Siken