Albert Potrony's 'equal play' exhibition at BALTIC gallery explores non-hierarchical play inspired by Aldo van Eyck

Albert Potrony's exhibition 'equal play' at the BALTIC gallery in Gateshead, UK, features a deconstructed soft play environment with foam cylinders, planks, and ropes, encouraging collaborative, non-prescriptive play for children and adults. Inspired by radical Dutch playground designer Aldo van Eyck, the work aims to dissolve hierarchies and promote non-gendered play, reflecting ideals of the 1970s anti-sexist men's movement, which included figures like Stuart Hall. The exhibition, which runs until October 2022, is part of BALTIC's focus on family-friendly programming, alongside other shows like Ad Minoliti's 'Biosphere Plush'. Writer Tom Whyman visited with his two-year-old son, noting that while the installation initially captivated his child, the gallery's lifts remained a competing attraction, leading to reflections on how play naturally extends beyond designated spaces. Potrony's piece explicitly highlights the political implications of design that avoids fences and prescribed structures, allowing play to spill into adult environments. The experience culminated in a moment of connection through rope play, illustrating the exhibition's success in fostering spontaneous, hierarchy-free interaction.