The Children’s Museum of Memphis (CMOM) has debuted a new interactive exhibition — Opposites Abstract: A Mo Willems Exhibit, created by Children's Museum of Pittsburgh in partnership with Mo Willems Studio. The exhibition encourages guests to explore the complicated yet simple concept of opposites through hands-on experiences and art-making activities, on display now through May 18.
Made for children and former children of all ages, visitors will be inspired to develop and respond to art, including viewing original works by Willems that will be displayed alongside the interactive materials. This exhibit uses larger-than-life materials beyond what children can access at home or school, inviting children to imagine and consume art using intentional accidents.
Courtesy of Children's Museum of Pittsburgh in partnership with The Mo Willems Studio
Opposites Abstract: A Mo Willems Exhibit
“Art is a mode of concept delivery that’s impactful with children — it creates a space to creatively explore new ideas, build confidence, and discover self-expression,” says Dr. Stewart Burgess, CMOM’s CEO. “Not only will children be able to flex their creative muscles, they’ll also explore the concept of opposites, cause and effect, color theory, language and physics, which can be meaningfully reinforced through experiential play. Families will be amazed by how children engage with this exhibit — no two visitors will have the same experience.”
Guests may gravitate toward any of the following components:
- Shape projector: Create an abstract artwork using light and color with shadow play.
- Shape stacker: Stack colored shapes in a vertical frame to build a composition. When finished, pull the knob to dump the blocks on the table. How does the new composition compare to your arrangement?
- Drawing machine: Draw lines and shapes on one screen and watch the opposite appear on the other.
- Sound slower: Use the buttons to play a melody and turn the crank to change the music. By turning the crank, you can manipulate the speed. How does the music change?
- Ball launcher: Pull the lever to send a ball through a group of pegs. See if you can make the ball disappear into one of the groups.
- Word abstractor: Choose a pair of opposites and use the buttons or rollers to change how the words look. See how many variations you can make!
- Color reverser: Can colors have opposites? Hold a mask to the color reverser and press the button; see how the colors change!
- Art blender: Pick an element of art and then the opposite on the chart. Can you create artwork that combines both? Once finished, hang your work on the section of the board that represents both ideas.
- Tactile book: Touch the art! The book features raised lines and textures, making artwork more accessible for people who are blind, have low vision or learn through touch.
The Children’s Museum of Memphis is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to the mission of inspiring children to explore, imagine, and create, growing their minds and filling them with endless possibilities. To learn more, visit cmom.com.