parallel play: developmental psychology for capitalists
Play is an instrument for transformation as well as a source of pleasure, and 3 to 5 year olds play alongside each other. Nursery toys assist with mastery and those in the installation speak of a continuum of engagements that last long into adulthood.
Play within this jumble seems fated by capitalism; induction into the rat race (mat), transglobal logoed squashable items (juggling and executive stress balls), the astrological birth chart of the New York Stock Exchange (chart) and footage of the Kentucky Fried Chicken shop at 25 William Street Earlwood, Sydney – the former site of John Howard’s childhood Californian bungalow (video monitor).
The eco-shower for Al Gore that is “left on the shelf” is trace of another type of play, a gag to gently tug at the neglected possibility within us or to show a counterpoint parallel play.
Clipboard text
mat: induction into the rat race
video monitor: KFC, 25 William Street Earlwood - the former childhood house of John Howard
shelf 1: executive toys
shelf 2: left on the shelf: eco-shower for al gore
chart: fate and chance with the economic regimes - the astrological birthchart of the New York Stock Exchange