Holidays at home
In 1933, the Dutch historian Johan Huizinga suggested in his book Homo ludens
that play is an essential, foundational element in the generation of a culture (albeit
not sufficient on its own).
Art and play might be considered two sides of the same coin: they’re both processes
by which we lend meaning to our passage through life. The history of humanity itself
could be read as a playful/creative project in which new worlds are constructed and
reality transformed through work with different materials.
These processes raise an endless number of questions but they include the
following: How much of the creative process of artists is play? How do the emotions
we experience during childhood seep into our adult realities? In both play and art,
adults and children are on a level playing field. In both, we immerse ourselves in
experimentation that can transform our reality, that opens up free, liberated spaces
in which to explore our dreams and identity. Art and play break down our prejudices
about knowledge, giving it new meaning, confronting us with the absurd, the
unexpected and the impossible from a position that leaves us feeling renewed. Art
and play are both rights with which we must fully engage as we construct our worlds.
And perhaps now more than ever it is essential that we indulge in them if we are to
find a creative response to adversity.
The artwork that provided the spark of inspiration for these unusual winter holidays
is Nube elefante (Colourful Elephant), the colourful plasticine installation by the artist
Mauro Koliva, from Misiones, which featured in the exhibition A History of the
Imagination in Argentina, presented in the Moderno’s galleries in 2019. In it strange
and fascinating creatures – which the artist gave the feel of the Paraná riverscape
– stimulate our senses and invite us to unleash our imagination and playfulness.

Mauro Koliva
Nube elefante, 2019
Instalación de plastilina
150 x 200 x 50 cm (medidas de la base)
Colección del artista
During our fifteen day programme we will be honoured to host great creators, artists
and educators as they share their playful ideas with us: the illustrator and singer Isol,
El pequeño coleccionista (The Little Collector project led from São Paulo by Mariane
Klettenhofer, Paula Azevedo and Artur Lescher), Cecilia Lenardón, Fátima Pecci
Carou, Marcela Sinclair, Jaír Jesús Toledo, and Adriana Fernández, among others.