Hi, we are Mookntaka!
Hi, we are Mookntaka!
Mookntaka (MOO-kin-tah-kah) is a Brooklyn-based artist duo by Mark Zlotsky and Karyn Lao. It combines our names through the voice of our two-year-old niece; Uncle Mark and Auntie Karyn.
We create art that encourages people of all ages to connect through play.
Utilizing mediums associated with arts-and-crafts, rudimentary shapes, and lively colors, we design interactive moments that bring people together.
Our name, Mookntaka, embodies the wonder and whimsical lens we investigate our surroundings with. It serves as a reminder to ourselves and others to find joy in unexpected places and embrace the silliness and curiosity of our inner child.
meet the friends and follies!
Mookntaka’s Friends and Follies are an ever-growing cast of inflatable characters.
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.
We bring play to unexpected places.
Our Friends and Follies are public pop-up art installations that remind people to nurture their inner child.
We partner with communities and organizations to produce short-term, interactive, art experiences. Whether it’s indoors or out, the Friends and Follies stand out from the crowd and bring a moment of joy and wonder!
Previous partners include Governors Island, NYC Center for Architecture, The Affordable Art Fair, and The Old Stone House of Brooklyn.
Each piece is one of a kind!
Uffo stands tall on it’s tippy-toes, providing the perfect shade.
Archie loves to dress up and pose for the camera!
Giraffe Jr. has a big stretchy, long neck, and welcomes all with a big hug.
Double Decker is wise, modest, and full of surprises.
Hotdog, they’re lumpy, wonky, and we love that.
Hedgehog is all games and relaxation. Grab a floaty and play ring toss, or sit and take a break!
Lil’ Moo is our smallest Friend, perfect for nooks and crannies!
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Each sculpture is lovingly made by us in Brooklyn! The pieces are digitally designed on the computer, from which we extract cutting patterns. Then, we hand-dye the fabric and sew pieces together to make a Friend and Folly!
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Our Friends and Follies are not for sale, but we produce smaller-scale artworks for just the occasion. Visit our Instagram to see when the next drop is or send us an email with your inquiry!
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The Friends and Follies travel all over! You may find them outside in parks, on the street, or even indoors. Check our Instagram or join our mailing list to see where they will be next!
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We welcome invitations and consider each opportunity to share the Friends and Follies.
The Friends and Follies bring play to unexpected places. If you think your event could use some play, please fill out the form below and we’ll get back to you soon!
frequently asked
frequently asked
want to host the friends and follies?
We’re always looking for partners interested in hosting the Friends and Follies! If you’d like to create a Mookntaka’s Friends and Folly installation, we would love to hear from you!
FROM PUBLIC PLACES TO PERSONAL SPACES
While our large-scale Friends and Follies find their homes in public spaces, our smaller artworks are crafted to bring the same spirit of play and connection into more personal settings.
These smaller creations are a vital part of our creative process, allowing us to experiment with ideas and concepts that often inspire or influence our larger installations.
If you’re interested in acquiring any work, please send us an email!
Hashbrown
2023; 26" x 15" x 15; Nylon, Papier-Mâché, Acrylic, PLA, Fan.
Pancake
2023; 17" x 15" x 12; Nylon, Papier-Mâché, Acrylic, PLA, Fan.
Bobble
2023; 28” x 13” x 13”; Papier-Mâché, Acrylic, PLA, Fan.
Mellll
2023; 16" x 8" x 8"; Papier-Mâché, Acrylic, PLA, Fan.
Goose
2023; 21” x 14” x 8”; Papier-Mâché, Acrylic, PLA, Fan.
Tubie
2023; 18” x 22” x 12”; Papier-Mâché, Acrylic, PLA, Fan.
A bit about us
Mark is an architecturally-trained artist who infuses design with humor. Having worked as an architectural and interior designer for world-renowned firms, Mark uses his experience designing private homes and high-end furniture to create thoughtful, well-crafted public artworks to be experienced by all.
Karyn is a fiber artist that believes we are like pompoms— many pieces connected by a common thread. She learned about inflatable-making in art school and fell in love with the guerrilla nature of inflatable art and the ability to make large scale sculptures easily transportable. Whether it be inflatables, pompoms, or community craft nights, the heart of Karyn’s work is to bring people together and connect through play.
Mark brings the scale and structure, while Karyn brings the softness and color. Together, we experiment and produce playful objects and joyful experiences for all ages!
Let's keep in touch
Let's keep in touch
©2024 Mookntaka LLC
