2020 has been a transformative year. The theme is change and I think it is safe to say we are never going to be the same again. Kensington and Chelsea Art week celebrates this year through a variety of artworks on the theme of transformation. Here are our top three reasons why you need to go visit with kids.
See interactive art
Kensington and Chelsea Art Week features a Public Art Trail that is made up of temporary landmarks across eight zones of this west London borough. The discovery trail can be explored on foot as well as through digital experiences. A lot of the sculptures are interactive, playful and fun. Children will love Liz West ‘Through’ in Duke of York Square where they can run around and explore the interaction between light and colour.
It is outdoors
Outside remains the safest option during Covid-19 times and if you need to get the kids their daily dose of fresh air, you can combine it with seeing some thought provoking art. There are also a couple of playgrounds and playspaces along the trail so you can encourage young Londoners to see art as well as fit in some playtime. Our favourites include British Artist’s Barnaby Barford’s wrinkled apple ‘This earth of majesty, this seat of Mars’ in Holland Park.
Bright and playful
Alex Chinneck’s the Alphabet Spaghetti is a delight for toddlers as it features the iconic red post boxes twisted out of shape and tied together. The Camille Walala street decor is bright and playful and the winter mural at the Chelsea Arts Club has been inspired by Matisse cut-outs.
Each year, KCAW presents thought-provoking installations and murals, which in the past have included work by Terry O’Neill, Laura Ford, Amanda Parer, James Capper and Richard Woods. This year the trail will include artists: Liz West, Lois O’Hara, Barnaby Barford, Toy Studio, Alex Chinneck, Chris Ruffoni, Found Fiction and Amy Jackson.
The shortlisted proposals were selected by an Art Committee of names from across the visual arts, culture, literature and media worlds including: RBKC Mayor Cllr Will Pascal, artist Conrad Shawcross, Diane Morgan from Westway Arts, Jo Stella-Sawicka, former Director of FRIEZE Sculpture Park and local resident, art consultant Kristie Kang, The Design Museum’s Josephine Chanter, photographer and local resident Richard Young and Cadogan’s Sophia Routledge.
Make sure to join this self-guided walk on the free app Go Jauntly and explore the KCAW20 Public Art Trail at your own pace: join. More information can be found on the Kensington and Chelsea Art Week website here. Kensington and Chelsea Art Week is on until 11th October.