[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Silk is an interactive art installation that invites 3-8 year olds to create a colourful fabric jungle in a mysterious darkened room.
The installation is being remounted at Artplay as part of Moomba Festival 2019 after appearing at Arts Centre Melbourne and Artplay back in 2016.
In Silk kids are encouraged to tie, dangle, twist and peg ribbon, fabric and nets from a low ceiling that’s just right for kids (and too low for adults). There’s a gentle soundtrack of birdsong in the background.
There are no rules. Kids are free to explore and create however they want and adults follow their lead.
Interestingly, when we first visit Silk when Lady AB is four years old she doesn’t like it. She freaks out about the darkness and the number of children and we leave early.
When Lady AB is five years old she absolutely loves the experience. She finds an empty corner to herself and sets to work stringing and weaving colourful ribbons in, up and around the space. She concentrates hard and pretty much ignoring everyone around her.
Evidently, a year of maturity means that she can immerse herself in the work without feeling over-stimulated or frightened.
I think Silk is possibly the most perfect artistic experience for someone of Lady AB’s age and temperament. She enjoys focusing alone on quiet, meditative play and since starting school has become more confident in unusual environments. At one point, unprompted, she says ‘I’m having so much fun’ and when she leaves she tells me ‘That was really (x 10) fun.’
On the other hand, while Baby 2.0 is within the 3-8 year old age bracket for the event, I think he would lose interest after about 20 minutes. He is a boisterous, active child and is unlikely to treat the materials with the same care and gentleness as Lady AB.
So I highly recommend Silk as a beautiful sensory experience for participating kids and spectating adults, but you should consider whether your child is likely to enjoy it for the full 30 minute session. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text el_class=”thon-hot-tips-panel”]HOT Tips:
- Each session has limited capacity and drop in only;
- free entry;
- The ceiling is low so adults will need to sit on the floor. There are stools on the outside of the space if you can’t manage the floor.
- Strictly for 3-8 years but really depends on your child’s personality. Siblings that are outside of this age bracket will not be permitted.
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