Most of us have been on gymnastic rings from childhood days, even if only to swing on them for a while. This installation, recently seen (and experienced) at the Hayward Gallery’s Move exhibition, made me ache for 2 days making it a very memorable piece in a way I hadn’t anticipated.
The choreographer William Forsythe constructed this installation to encourage participants to swing and stretch their way across a defined space. In practice it is an incredibly difficult activity, particularly for adults as you realise how heavy and “clumsy” your body actually is. The space can be crossed without touching the ground but I have to say that I failed miserably along with everyone else there. I’d like to see a trained dancer/athlete complete the journey as I was acutely aware of my body’s limitations. It would be an amazing training facility to have in schools and venues.
It wasn’t only a challenge but was also aesthetically stimulating and inspirational.
Leave a Reply