Japanese artist Toshiko Horiuchi-MacAdam is considered one of Japan's leading fiber artists, using knitting and crochet as the foundation for much of her work. Her website explains that she specializes in "creating large, interactive textile environments that function both as imaginative and vibrant explorations of color and form, at the same time as providing thrilling play environments." That is exactly what we see here at the Hakone Open Air Museum in Hakone, Japan.
The artist created this playground where children can interact with
her art. Ordering her yarn supplies by the ton, Horiuchi-MacAdam works
with a team to produce the massive structures. They build large sections
of each playground, and then join the sections and test them onsite
during installation. The design includes all kinds of vibrantly colored
nets, swings, cushions, and pockets for children to play on and explore.
Horiuchi-MacAdam believes in bringing joy and laughter to children
through these creative projects. She finds great pleasure in watching
the soft fabric transform and come alive as the children stretch, climb,
and swing on the materials. Her most treasured moments are hearing what
she describes as the "undisguised delight of children exploring a new
play space."
