We first wrote about RedBall Project in 2008, when Kurt Perschke's traveling public art installation landed in Chicago. Since then, RedBall has traversed the globe, appearing in many more cities, including Grand Rapids, Scottsdale, Portland, and St. Louis, as well as internationally. More photos below!
The massive vinyl ball has been wedged in every nook and cranny in its host cities, from in between buildings to underneath bus stops.
The installation was conceived in 2006 as a social experiment to explore "what it can create for those who experience it. It opens a doorway to imagine what if?" says Perschke, the artist. "Through the magnetic, playful, and charismatic nature of the RedBall, the work is able to access the imagination embedded in all of us."
The simple and whimsical ball engages the collective imagination of people of all ages and across diverse continents, cultures, and languages — which is the true essence of the project.
RedBall recently wrapped up a tour through Perth, Australia, and is set to take over England this summer. Visit its website for a schedule of upcoming appearances.
MORE PUBLIC ART ON APARTMENT THERAPY:
• RedBall Chicago
• 20 Creative Public Works of Art
• Inspiring Public Art: Fishing Light by Luz Interruptus
(Images: RedBall Project)
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haha silly! I loved the old french woman in the 2nd photo. Probably wondering what on earth is going on, and mad she can't cut down the small side road. And the bridge one was my favourite.
I can't believe I missed this when it was in Chicago! My favorite is the guy bouncing into it. I am suddenly reminded for the first time in years of Jay O'callahan's album "Little Heroes" which contains a ridiculous story called, aptly, Red Ball. Good times...
Does this remind anyone else of Wipeout?
Shame that Apartment Therapy forgot to mention that the project began in St. Louis. I hope this is just a sign of poor research and not the usual East Coast Bias that Apartment Therapy has been moving away from.
i guess the motivation makes sense and the random ball induces some thought. Hopefully, it does not lead to a traffic accident, e.g. pic. 4.
In pics 2 and 3, the ball only seems to burden people, causing them to detour from a path or find themselves standing instead of sitting under shelter waiting for the bus. Personally, I'd be pissed because there is no gain in seeing a red ball in an odd place and I appreciate and prefer my ordinary comforts in life (e.g. shelter waiting for a bus).
I love the second to last photo. The ball almost looks like it's pushing the brick building up.
I suppose it's an interesting idea. However, I find each one of those structures to be far more interesting, beautiful, and thought provoking on their own without the ball.
@Katie38
I don't know how saying (incorrectly) that a project began in Chicago and has touched down in Grand Rapids, Scottsdale, and Portland (along with St. Louis) constitutes an East Coast bias, but as you like.
hahahah! this one made me laugh!!!! lovely!!!! I really wanna hug that silly thing
This is great. I want one between me and my neighbor!
I remember when that came to TO. I walked by it completely unplanned and thought ok where's the website for this?
OK I love Apartment Therapy. and bravo to KATIE38 for catching St. Louis, and 2006. Not the facts but all the same a little love from a great site is a smile.
MESO, well your actually about the second person on the planet to find it a burden, so elite company. The other was a lady in Spain. It looks like I block everything, but usually theres another route.
back to the UK in June. maybe see you there - kurt
guess I should mention you can find out news on the project and next cites over on fb, http://www.facebook.com/redballproject generally announced there and twitter first. - k