The Playground

Having built a number of large scale, public art mobiles, I have always loved the movement that is created and the enjoyment that people get from initiating that movement. I realized that a balloon on a string is a very simple version of that which could be implemented with a much smaller effort and budget, so I bought a case of 3′ balloons and started some experiments in the park across from my house. Setting up a single balloon during the day, it quickly became apparent that this would be a magnet for kids of all ages. There is a universal joy of bopping a big balloon up into the air.

During The Playground installation, we will be playing with a number of 6′ balloons, lit from within, tethered by strings to a rope strung across a large open area. Their weight to volume ratio give them a balletic grace that is mesmerizing to witness. We will also have another area where we have a number of 3′ balloons lit by spot lights that we can change in color and pattern. These balloons are a little tougher so can be bopped hard as many are inspired to do. We will also be experimenting with some simple wooden sculptures hung from the trees and lit by strobe lights to create some fun visual effects.