Head to Ballston Quarter this month to experience the colorful, dizzying fun of Los Trompos, a temporary interactive art installation that features five large, vibrantly colored structures you can sit, spin, and play on.
The installation’s title translates to “the spinning tops” in Spanish, and it “takes inspiration from the fondly remembered children’s game and takes it to new heights,” according to Ballston Quarter’s website.
Los Trompos will be in the outdoor mews of the shopping center through July 30. Ballston Quarter is located at 4238 Wilson Blvd., Arlington.
Ballston Quarter’s site said that the tops are woven in the “traditional style of Mexican artisans.” The installation was created by Héctor Esrawe, an industrial designer “known for his playful, organic works that draws inspiration from Latin American architecture and folk art,” and Ignacio Cadena, a designer “whose creations explore the boundaries between art and science,” according to Ballston Quarter.
Los Trompos debuted in 2015 at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta with 30 tops. Since the debut, the tops have made stops at parks and other public places around the world, including DC’s Franklin Park and Indiana Plaza in September 2022. The tour is produced by Creos, an international agency that specializes in touring interactive art exhibits.
“Functioning as both artwork and rotating platform, each sculpture acts as a gathering place for relaxation, social interaction and entertainment,” Creos said on its website. “By working together to create momentum, visitors can spin the tops on their bases. Through interaction and collaboration, Los Trompos comes to life and gives new meaning to the art of play.”
There is no cost to view and play on the tops. You can register online, but registration is not required.
Feature image by Albert Ting
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