Young V&A has launched its first-ever online exhibition, ‘Play In The Pandemic’, offering a look at how children played during the pandemic and showcasing their artworks, games and films.
Hosted on the Play Observatory website and launching today (23 March), the exhibition is the result of a collaboration between Young V&A, UCL and the University of Sheffield.
Young V&A’s Katy Canales curated the interactive experience alongside artist Marcus Walters, online interactive designers Juliette Coquet and Sindi Breshani, UCL’s Dr Valerio Signorelli and play specialists from Great Ormond Street Hospital.
Play In The Pandemic, which takes the form of an unfolding origami house, features submissions from children around the world alongside objects from Young V&A’s collection.
It includes Barbies taking part in Joe Wicks’ PE classes, child-created artworks and face painting, juxtaposed with the anxiety and grief recorded in children’s art and poetry during the pandemic.
The exhibition reveals that young people were aware of the virus, with toddlers Covid-testing their teddy bears and creating face coverings for hospital role play. It is organised into four themes – constructing, imagining, exploring and innovating.
Children’s artworks, games and films
“The devastating effects of the global pandemic have impacted everyone – especially children and young people, who saw their lives upended as schools and playgrounds closed, were isolated from their friends and extended families, and restricted to their homes,” Canales said.
“Championing, co-curating and co-producing with children is central to Young V&A’s approach – and the Play In The Pandemic project strives to capture and amplify their voices and experiences, celebrating their resourcefulness, creativity, and empathy through a new playful online interactive experience.”
Highlights in ‘constructing’ include a den created by Sheffield-based Rosie Whitehead’s children, and the ‘Germs and Hand-Sanitiser’ drawing by 4-year-old Cadi from Pontarddulais.
‘Imagining’ highlights include the ‘All Alone’ poem by 9-year-old Austin Coolin from North Walsham, and 11-year-old Leo Kelly’s music video, ‘Lost Without You’.
Highlights in ‘exploring’ include photos and films of children and their families taking part in outdoor activities, while ‘innovating’ highlights include games created during the pandemic.
“By collaborating with families and working alongside researchers at UCL and University of Sheffield, this project has caught a unique moment in children’s lives, providing insights into the pandemic for generations to come,” Canales added.
Currently under redevelopment and reopening in 2023, Young V&A is being reimagined as a place to imagine, play, create, debate and design for tomorrow.
Images: V&A
