For one week only, the Lungley Gallery will be transformed into a colourful ball pit, designed by artist Michael Pybus.
As of today, the Lungley Gallery, which is housed in the cellar of an east London pub, will be disguised as an adult’s soft play area. The room is purposefully designed to inspire you to take photos and upload them to the ‘gram, but the message behind the piece is somewhat misleading…
On the walls of the pop-up play area you’ll see a number of cartoons on the wall—including Pikachu, Mario and Yoshi— and, if you really look, they’re all mindlessly scrolling on their phones. So, as Pybus entices you with his colourful installation—a classically ‘Instagrammable’ set-up—he is simultaneously judging you, and questioning your choice to post on social media.
He claims that, “Our ability to think independently is being manipulated by digital algorithms optimised to make social media platforms as addictive as possible.” Adding that we’ve entered “a digital Hunger Games where a virtual scoreboard of likes & follows constantly live broadcasts our position in the social hierarchy.” He goes on to say a number of more abhorrent comments about social media, and, frankly, I feel personally attacked.
Location: Lungley Gallery, The Haggerston, 438 Kingsland Road, E8 4AA. Nearest station is Dalston Junction or Haggerston. See it on Google Maps.
Opening hours: January 4–13. Friday to Sunday 2pm–6pm or by appointment.
Price: free.
More information: on the gallery’s website.