Matt Cook
Play Harlow!
Play Harlow! is an adventure in the streets, a creative detour.
During two games over four days in August 2009, Matt Cook will be in public spaces in Harlow to demonstrate his Game Table – a kinetic sculpture and bike trailer representing a map of Harlow used to illustrate the live game. Matt will invite pre-registered teams and passers-by to play.
Each day will begin with Matt travelling with his trailer from his garage in Risdens. The first game will take place in The Stow, Harlow's first neighbourhood centre, with a second game near Staple Tye shopping centre.
Harlow has so many short cuts often only known by its immediate residents, with ways to move around town that allow you to pass through many different kinds of space - street, alley, courtyard, copse, cycle track, garage block. Competing teams will be given maps directing them to nearby places via specific routes with instructions of what to look out for and activities to complete along the way.
The Game Table is the centrepiece of a larger sculptural map spread around Harlow, illustrating some of Matt's experiences walking around the town. He works with a vast collection of objects, sounds and photographs to which he adds electronic parts that mimic movements and play back sounds. Further small sculptures will be spread around the town, hidden in discreet places for teams to locate during their adventure.
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Get involved
Come along any time during the events and have a look at the fascinating artwork – bring along a team and take part in the game. Tasks will involve taking walks of different lengths, the shortest of which will take around 15 minutes to complete. Teams may consist of between two and five players; assemble your family, neighbours or workmates and come up with your team name. Everyone who takes part wins a prize!
Matt will also bring his artwork to the Harlow Town Show where he will award further prizes and launch a printed version of the game that will allow everyone to Play Harlow! at any time.
Play Harlow! Is an ideal opportunity for young and old to re-explore areas of the town and to see the town differently.
Register your team here: www.playharlow.com
