Can a playframe for children also function as a site specific art installation?

Dulwich Picture Gallery, an inspiring place with a rich history, is the world’s oldest purpose-built art gallery. It houses an impressive collection of Old Master paintings. The gallery’s commitment to showcasing art in a welcoming and accessible manner aligns perfectly with our vision for the project.

Our approach to “reimaginging play” stems from our passion for creating engaging and interactive art that can positively impact the community and enhance the overall experience of visitors to the gallery. Designed by Sir John Soane, the building features several memorable features, including neoclassical arches and top-lit gallery spaces. We intend to reference some of these elements in the proposal to celebrate the gallery’s unique features playfully.

Perspective in art typically refers to the representation of three-dimensional objects or spaces in two-dimensional artworks. Artists use perspective techniques to create a realistic impression of depth and playfully manipulate perspective to present dramatic or disorienting images. Play can be loosely defined as an activity for enjoyment, and what one person enjoys depends on their perspective. Perspective can also refer to a point of view—the position from which an individual or group of people see and respond to the world around them.

Our installation, named “playspective,” aims to merge a 21st-century three-dimensional interpretation of the perspective tricks employed in many of the works in the picture gallery with a co-designed play frame for younger visitors to the gallery.