A Playground for the Overwhelmed: Alice Irwin
" Here, we question what's 'normal' and throw a little glitter on what's not. We reflect on ego, energy, the madness of the media, and all the strange little things we do just to get through the day." - Alice Irwin
The notion of the playground is central to Alice Irwin's artistic exploration, acting as both a physical and conceptual platform. Through it, she examines memory, social exchange, imagination, and the psychological landscapes shaped by settings of play and interaction. For Irwin, the playground becomes a pseudo-metaphorical space that exists outside the boundaries of our everyday; a fantastical site that offers a form of escapism, where time is paused and reality suspended.
Irwin explores the contrasts within childhood itself: between innocence and awareness, naivety and confidence, joy and anxiety. Her work speaks to audiences from all walks of life, encouraging them to meander through personal memories while uncovering new layers of meaning. Some works may evoke laughter or a warm familiarity; others may prompt moments of introspection or unease. It is precisely this range that Irwin celebrates: the contradictions, the humour, the poignancy, and the absurdity of it all.
