Who said playground were just for kids? This week, a 2-story, 5,000-square-foot indoor playground is coming to Brooklyn, but here’s the kicker–this one’s just for adults!
Built by artist Brooklyn-based conceptual artist Cj Hendry, the playground is part of Hendry’s tenth solo show Plaid.
Showcased in Hendry’s signature hands-on format, the literal and conceptual intersect within Plaid.
In its literal form, the exhibition is a collection of large-scale, two-dimensional pencil drawings composed of perpendicular lines in dry brush strokes.
Its conceptual form is represented as a 5,000-square-foot installation Plaidground, an adult playground that mimics the Plaid pattern featured in the works.
The idea of combining plaid and play came originally as a play on words based on Hendry’s observance of the limited sophistication in the design of the public parks and playgrounds that she had frequented.
“I thought, how great would it be for a playground to be a public art sculpture? My practice is autonomous and trying to work with a government body on a park project presents many challenges. So, I said, f*ck it! I’ll do it myself,” she says.
A recurring theme throughout Hendry’s exhibitions is the idea of nostalgia and play.
“Plaid encourages the viewer to connect with the inner child and experience the simplicity of joy before growing up and feeling the burden of adulthood,” she said.
Plaid is located at 220 Newel Street in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, and will run from today, Monday, April 17, through Sunday, April 23 10 a.m to 6 p.m.
Beyond the adult playground 24 original artworks also make up part of the exhibition, which is open to the public with a $10 entry fee. Guests will receive a complimentary pair of Plaid grip socks upon entry.