Games in Art
Whether it's an ancient board game, a team sport, or simply made up on the school playground, games have entertained and challenged us as children and adults for centuries...perhaps this is why they are such an inspiration to art and artists. Find out more below...
Make a playdate
Be transported to a children's playground with a new, immersive exhibition by Belgium artist Francis Alÿs at London's Barbican Centre, which opens this week (27 June). Ricochets marks Alÿs's largest institutional show in the UK in 15 years, and will feature his highly acclaimed series, Children's Games. Through multi-screen film installations, visitors will be immersed in game playing across the world. Join in with familiar favourites, such as 'musical chairs' in Mexico and 'leapfrog' in Iraq, or discover new ones like 'wolf and lamb' in Afghanistan.
Film of the Week
Records of people playing chess date back over 1,500 years. In our film of the week, we are transported back nearly 500 years ago to a 1555 Renaissance painting by Italian artist Sofonisba Anguissola. The painting depicts three siblings playing chess, with Anguissola capturing her sisters at a pivotal moment in the game. The sister on the right appears shocked, her mouth slightly ajar, as she watches her sister opposite who is moving a piece. Has someone just shouted checkmate? Learn more about this work and why Anguissola was considered so radical for her time by clicking the link below.
Game On
