The Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo is holding an exhibition titled "Play Time" from July 20th to October 20th, themed around "play" that can be enjoyed by both children and adults.

Yoshiaki Kaihatsu, "The Wall of Exams" (recreated in 2016)
Photo: Yoshiaki Kaihatsu

The theme of this exhibition, which will be held during this summer's holiday, is "play." Play is often seen as the polar opposite of everyday life, as something frivolous and unproductive, with people telling us to "stop playing and do something" instead of "studying," "work," or "helping out." On the other hand, play that defies everyday rules can also be an opportunity to break away from conventional thinking and rules and discover new values and principles.

The venue will feature works by six groups of artists that can be enjoyed by both children and adults. The exhibition space will be filled with experiential works that incorporate elements of play and games, such as entering giant works, aiming at targets, and making crafts. There will also be a project in which the traces of visitors' play will become part of the artwork. Photography is permitted, so everyone can enjoy taking commemorative photos together, including installations that make full use of the large space and are perfect for photos.

TOLTA "Positive Curse Blocks" 2016 Installation view from the "Gallery Voltaire" exhibitionPhoto: Mito Ikeda ©SPIRAL/Wacoal Art Center
A wide variety of events by artists are also held, from performances that will make you chuckle to workshops that will have you so absorbed you lose track of time. Related events are held in various locations within the museum, so it is also recommended for those who want to enjoy the newly renovated museum to the fullest.

As the expression "giving the steering wheel some play" suggests, play means room to breathe or relaxation. A car's steering wheel won't drive comfortably if it's always turned tight. It's the same for us; if we restrict ourselves by thinking, "I have to be like everyone else" or "I can't fail," we end up feeling suffocated. The playful artworks in this exhibition humorously loosen those restrictions. The curiosity, mischief, and desire to try something different that arise are the source of creativity and will provide hints for living in an age of rapid change.

When you find yourself wondering, "What is this? Why?", that's when the fun of art begins. Why not come and have some fun with your children during the summer holidays or during the autumn art season?