The Irish Film Institute Family Festival brought together Brazilian cinema, handmade art and creative activities for children. As part of the festival, I created a temporary installation for the IFI Family Festival foyer and helped lead hands on activities.
First, the installation transformed the space with hand painted animals, tropical plants, flowers and layered paper elements. The work took inspiration from Papaya, the animated film by Brazilian filmmaker Priscila Kellen. Rather than using a conventional painted mural, I built the artwork from individually painted and constructed pieces. As a result, the installation gained depth while keeping a playful character.
The children’s activities focused on simple making and natural materials. First, children used real seeds, paper and collage materials to make their own artwork. They could choose different seeds and arrange them into their own designs.
Next, children made paper snakes using prepared pieces. This activity encouraged them to assemble and decorate their own creations. They could also make paper dragonflies, adding another connection to the natural world represented throughout the installation.
These activities worked well for a family festival because children could join at different times. Each project had a clear process, while still giving children freedom to make their own choices. Parents and children could therefore participate together without needing to follow a long workshop.
Meanwhile, the installation provided a visual connection between the activities and the IFI family Festival environment. Children could see animals, plants and handmade details around them, then create their own versions using simple materials.
Finally, the project showed how temporary art can become part of a shared family experience. The installation decorated the IFI foyer, while the activities gave children an opportunity to make something themselves. Together, they connected Brazilian cinema, handmade art and creative play in one welcoming festival setting.
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