A striking photograph taken on an iPhone 14 has captured a moment of pure childhood wonder within a futuristic art installation in Gateshead. The image, titled 'At Play, 2025', was shot by photographer Anne Rayner during a family day out and perfectly encapsulates the joy of interactive art.
A Family Day Out on the Quayside
Anne Rayner was enjoying a trip to Newcastle city centre with her husband, Bob, and their two-year-old granddaughter, Phoebe. The excursion offered a break for Phoebe's mother, who was at home caring for the toddler's six-month-old twin brothers. The trio walked along the quayside, crossed the iconic Gateshead Millennium Bridge, and took in sights like the Tyne Bridge and The Glasshouse International Centre for Music.
Their destination was the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, where they visited Harold Offeh's exhibition, 'The Mothership Collective 2.0'. This interactive show, described as a "sci-fi playscape for collaborative encounters," runs until 18 January and features several distinct zones designed for engagement.
Geometry, Colour, and a Moment of Magic
Within the exhibition, Phoebe became entranced by a section featuring large, inflatable plastic balls. As she reached out to interact with them, Rayner seized the moment with her smartphone. She noted how the "geometric lines, strong colours and shadows created a striking image," transforming a simple snapshot into a compelling piece of photographic art.
The photograph freezes a scene where modern art and innocent play collide. The two spherical objects Phoebe is reaching for create a bold, graphic frame around the small figure, emphasising the scale and immersive nature of Offeh's work.
The Lasting Impact of Playful Art
Reflecting on the experience, Rayner praised the artist's intent. "His ambition was encouraging joy through play, and he achieved that," she said. The visit left a profound impression on young Phoebe, who enthusiastically explored every ball in the installation.
"She rolled, threw and kicked each and every one, and after lunch in the cafe even asked to go back a second time," Rayner recounted. The day's excitement didn't end there; at bedtime, Phoebe relayed the adventures of her day to her parents and little brothers, with the photograph serving as a perfect memento of a joyful artistic encounter.
The image stands as a testament to the power of contemporary art to engage audiences of all ages and the increasing capability of mobile phones to document life's most vivid moments.
