Momo Festival 2025 - Proposal

 

I aim to work with my interpretation of a bitter-sweet playground. This will be realised as an interactive, sensorial installation.

 

By engaging with the motif of a playground, I explore if leisure and playfulness could experience some form of revival as a balance to the increasingly present fear and threat.

Playgrounds can be seen as an attempt to break open urban infrastructure which is dominated by cold, strict geometric shapes that appear in forms of concrete buildings and asphalted streets, accompanied by greyness and tired faces.

 

Leisure, resting and playing without a goal - the power of doing nothing - is an antithesis to a patriotic sociality where productivity and expansion has a higher value than human rights. It is important to relax, rest and have fun, however, closing ones eyes from the terrifying happenings in the world is not an enduring option. Feelings of powerlessness, guilt and uncertainty are therefore ever present. Can pleasure still be a topic of concern and possibly help us to playfully reconnect with our inner world?

 

As I already utilise different tactile materials, like soft polyurethane foam, fluffy textile or various structures which are very appealing to be touched, I want to include aspects of sensory play to the installation. Sensory play is known as a therapeutic tool for reducing stress and anxiety, with use of, among others, soft materials that can be squeezed and touched, as well as other sensuous elements like light and odour.

 

I envision the installation to consist mostly of swings, which feel completely soft, made with the use of soft foam and textile in vivid colours.

The visitors are invited to take a seat on the swings and create a moment to explore, play or rest. Certain swings provide space for several people to come together and share an experience, while others are designed for individual use and invites reflection.

 

To create an intriguing environment, I plan to incorporate additional elements, for instance, coloured lighting, sculptural pieces that can be touched as well, soap bubbles or fragrant fog.

 

The set up and final size of this project is very flexible and can be adjusted accordingly to the specific characteristic of the available space. The installation can take place inside as well as outside. The swings can be secured to a ceiling or alternatively to a framework.

As an additional experience, 'playdates' can be organized to encourage visitors to embrace their inner child, let go of their daily concerns and play.