American minimalist Robert Morris's Bodyspacemotionthings originally appeared at the Tate Modern in the 1970s, but was closed after only four days due to irrational exuberance by museum goers.
'Some of the 1,500 visitors became so intoxicated by [the] opportunities that they went around "jumping and screaming" to quote the exhibitions keeper, Mr Michael Compton. They went berserk on the giant see-saws, and they loosened the boards on other exhibits by trampling on them ... "It was just a case of exceptionally exuberant or energetic participation," Mr Compton said tolerantly'
Rebuilt to modern safety standards, it reappeared again in the Turbine Hall this past spring.
Robert Morris, now 78, said: 'It's an opportunity for people to involve themselves with the work, become aware of their own bodies, gravity, effort, fatigue, their bodies under different conditions'
Quote and photos, both modern and vintage, from the guardian.
Hooray, playgrounds for grownups! The world needs more of these.
ReplyDeleteGlad to know of your blog! Almost a year ago, I went to a Harvest Festival at Added Value Farm in Red Hook NY. There were many things to do for both adults and children; hunt for pumpkins,(all which had to be shipped in due to a thwarted pumpkin crop), craft contests, and your typical festival past times. What interested me, was that all the children- despite the apprehension of their urban parental units, were hell bent on climbing the two large dirt mounds (mistakenly delivered just before the event). Gleefully, large and small children covered head to toe in soil, were rolling themselves and pumpkins down the dirt mounds...and apparently happy as can be!
ReplyDeleteSince then, I have pondered this notion of bringing the "Jungle back into the Gym" and made several proposals in an effort to reconnect kids with nature and good dirt-ful fun. I look forward to following your posts.
Hmm...looks like a playground...re-invented the wheel...the artsy crowd could have just played with kids outside...
ReplyDeleteYou need to see The City Museum in Saint Louis:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.citymuseum.org/