Francis Alÿs: Ricochets

Still from a film by Francis Alÿs, titled Children’s Games, dated 2019.

Francis Alÿs, Children’s Games, 2019. (still)

Barbican Centre, London

June 27–September 1, 2024

For the past two decades, Alÿs has traveled around the world to film the critically acclaimed series Children’s Games: from ‘musical chairs’ in Mexico, to ‘leapfrog’ in Iraq, ‘jump rope’ in Hong Kong, and ‘wolf and lamb’ in Afghanistan.

Ricochets transforms our gallery into a cinematic playground: throughout the exhibition, visitors will be immersed in multi-screen film installations focussing on children’s games. Since 1999, Alÿs has recorded children at play in different contexts and environments around the globe. Alongside the first presentation of Children’s Games in the UK, the exhibition debuts a new body of animated films depicting both traditional and lesser-known hand games played by children and adults alike.

Learn more at the Barbican Centre.