In Dumbo, a place synonymous with art and culture, an entertaining new addition has garnered attention for its radiant display of color, playful energy, and unique design. A new mural, the visual centerpiece of a pedestrian plaza at 140 Plymouth St, is the brainchild of Tokyo-born artist Masaki Hanahara. Titled the “Water Game Mural,” it draws in viewers with its vibrant, water-themed illustrations, adding an inviting aura to the neighborhood.
Renowned for creating socially relevant, interactive works of art, Hanahara’s creation is no exception. The mural rocketed to online fame after an excited tweet by Shannon Tebay, a resident of Dumbo, went viral, lauding the visual delight that had replaced a once-dreary wall. Described as a compelling fusion of whimsy, color, and interactive fun, the Water Game Mural has quickly become a top talking point in both local and digital art communities.
Intended to capture the lively spirit of water games popular during summer, the mural boasts a series of brightly painted pipes, valves, and wave-like ripples spanning 50 feet across and 12 feet high. Despite its inanimate nature, the carefully crafted design gives a playful illusion of water flowing through the pipes, endowing the area with a sense of energetic vitality.
Hanahara, an internationally recognized artist with a background in mural painting and sculpture, has often expressed his passion for making art accessible and interactive. His past projects include creating urban ‘play-scapes’ in public spaces around the globe. In line with this vision, the Water Game Mural engages onlookers beyond visual interactions, boasting an inbuilt QR code that links to a website with an interactive game.
Adding an element of innovative technology to traditional mural painting, the augmented reality game enhances the user’s experience, generating streams of digital water onto their mobile screens that react to their movements. This fusion of technology and art is a distinctive signature of Hanahara’s work.
The Water Game Mural project was commissioned by the Dumbo Improvement District, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the enhancement of one of Brooklyn’s iconic neighborhoods. Alexandria Sica, the executive director of the organization, praised Hanahara’s creativity. In a recent statement, she said, “We wanted something that would stand out, that would give a vibrant identity to the space, and Masaki Hanahara has delivered just that.”
The mural is reported to have been well-received among the Dumbo community, cited as an element of joy amid these challenging times. Online, the mural has similarly been gathering glowing reviews across social media platforms. Instagram user @artlover333 mentioned in a post, “This is the cheer we need right now. A splash of colors reminding us of the sheer joy of summer water games. A game that anyone can play – virtually at least.” On Twitter, @brooklynart expressed, “A simple wall turned into a play-scape. This mural embodies the spirit of Dumbo #WaterGameMural #HanaharaArt.”
Various art critics have also chimed in on the excitement, considering the Water Game Mural as a significant contribution to public art that successfully integrates technology. Patricia Larkin, a noted art critic, shared her thoughts on an online platform, “Hanahara has once again pushed the boundaries of interactive public art, combining the playful unpredictability of water with the charm of a traditional mural, spiced up with a sprinkle of digital interaction.”
With its energetic vibes and interactive technology, the Water Game Mural has transformed a commonplace wall into a destination, creating a novel way for residents and tourists to engage with the neighborhood. Even amidst the hustle of life, Hanahara’s art inspires passersby to pause, play, and connect with the vibrancy of Dumbo.
Original Source: https://streetartnews.net/2025/12/masaki-hanaharas-water-game-mural-brings-playful-energy-to-dumbo.html
