When I walked into the Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) on Wednesday night, a bald man passed me a furry orange pencil case and several sheets of white paper. He fished a crumpled set of instructions out of his pocket. “Free London’s Monsters,” it said at the top. He pointed up the stairs to the bar, told me to grab a drink and get drawing.
Coloured pens and glitter glue scattered across the table in front of me. A woman at the next table, whose glass of wine rested on a Mr Men sketch of a monster with sharp teeth, caught my eye. I must have looked puzzled. She leaned over and explained that, in order to free London’s monsters, we had to illustrate them. These creations would then be projected onto the wall of the bar, underneath a banner reading: “Sandpit #8”.
The Sandpit is a monthly gaming night organised by the makers of Hide and Seek, a festival of playful experiences. It’s a testing ground for new games and a chance to refine old ones. This month, the event was held as part of the ICA’s “Feedback” season, which questions the influence new technology has over culture. Participants were actively encouraged to photograph it, video it, blog it and share it. I was also assured my purple, horned monster would be published on Flickr.
The next Sandpit will take place on Saturday 7 March at the Barbican Art Gallery, from 7pm to 10pm. The event is free, and there’s no need to book – just turn up.
Drawing just became epic.
Is that a Flip cam I see to the left of your masterpiece?
Yes, yes it is.
Impressive. My camera skills are quite amazing. Unlike my drawing skills
[...] artists and galleries are having a lot of fun at the moment. Last week, I spent an evening playing games at the ICA, and so far this week I have seen smiley faced clouds on the South Bank and giant illuminations [...]