EmotionAir, the latest exhibition to take up space in Old Billingsgate. It offers a compelling juxtaposition of artistry and emotional depth through the medium of inflatable art…but let’s be honest, you probably just know it for the giant ball pit.
Why wouldn’t you? Curated by the Balloon Museum, one of the most popular aspects of the exhibition has gone viral across social media since its launch. Usually, I’d be prone to avoid it just for this reason, but like most giant kids, I couldn’t resist the call of the pit.
So, I went along with my two kids and their pal to see what all the fuss was about. We got there just in the nick of time as the exhibition ends at the end of the week. Here’s what we thought…
For those who might have been a bit worried that the exhibition is a one-trick pony and that there would be stuff to see but not much to do, rest assured: This is truly an immersive experience. The premise of the exhibition is to invite patrons to navigate a ‘labyrinth of emotions’, guided by twenty artists who explored the intricacies of human sentiment.
‘From Cyril Lancelin’s Cube Abyss, which confronts viewers with the spectre of fear, to Momoyo Torimitsu’s strangely disconcerting pink rabbits, symbolising frustration and discomfort, the exhibition serves as a provocative exploration of the human condition.’
It’s true that visitors encounter a diverse array of inflatable installations, all there to provoke introspection and evoke visceral responses. But for us, it served just as much as an opportunity for the kids to run and hide, to take candid shots in front of giant pink bunnies—but most of all, to be immersed in art that we could touch.
From the onset, it wasn’t clear whether this was an exhibition for adult introspection, a giant playground for kids, or both. After a while, it just didn’t matter.
We had moments of pure bliss – the Anger installation, although unsettling, was fascinating. Motomichi Nakamura’s black cannonballs, with expressions projected onto them, shocked us once we realised that their red eyes and angry faces actually moved. Then there were the huge hanging spheres, which we all had the opportunity to pull and swing, the giant Ginjos that took a beating from the crowds of kids determined to knock them over and the colourful, squishy tables full of bright inks that the kids could climb on and which were projected onto the walls for yet more photo opps.
There have been mixed reviews. Amidst the hype and acclaim, concerns have been raised regarding the exhibition’s accessibility and logistical challenges. While some families have delighted in the interactive elements of EmotionAir, others have found themselves grappling with overcrowding and sensory overload. Now, let’s talk about the price – it’s expensive. Adults £36, children £24 and a family ticket is £26.25 per family member (of 4). There are many busy corridors, it’s hot as hell, and there are stairs to tackle. To be honest, I doubt the exhibition itself was designed with accessibility in mind – whether that be for families on a budget or those with mobility barriers.
That said, if you want an honest opinion from a mum who was desperate for something to entertain 3 kids aged 5-8 at the end of the Easter Holidays, I loved it. The immersive quality allowed us – young and old – to connect with the installation’s exhibits on a deeply personal level. More than anything else, the post-event hugs from the kids told me everything I needed to know – it was a hit…
Oh yes, the ball pit. Well, I’ll let you decide…
