JUMP

Overview

My memories of jumping castles as a child usually involved too much birthday cake, nausea and weeks worth of mystery bruises. As an adult, I’d like to believe that there would be significantly less sugar and post-bounce vomiting if given the chance to relive the glory days of jumping like no one is watching. Thanks to the upcoming installation JUMP from UK artist Stuart Semple, we’re going to have the opportunity to double bounce our best friends like it’s Maddy Smith’s sixth birthday party all over again.

The internationally-acclaimed artist will be installing a 10mx10m rubber surface, popping up in St Paul’s Court at Federation Square for two weeks in October. With his previous work featured in biennales, major art fairs, and many solo exhibitions across the globe, Melbournians will be fortunate enough to experience Semple’s giant bouncy floor thanks to Fed Square’s Creative Program, who commissioned the work with the aim of giving the public freedom to explore elevation both physically and psychologically.

Of the intention behind this work Semple says, "I think that as we get older we tend to lose a connection to the fun, spontaneous child that we once were, finding reasons and excuses not to engage in activities that can elevate our spirit ... JUMP will re-ignite that inner fun-loving sense that we all have."

Semple is no stranger to interactive works designed to excite and delight users. Having been in the industry for over 13 years, he is best known for an aerial installation entitled Happy Cloud, which involved releasing more than 2,000 smiley face pink foam ‘clouds’ over major cities such as London and Milan.

The best part is that there is no height restriction or requirement, and you don’t even have to ask your mum if you’re allowed to play!

Due to popular demand, JUMP remain open 'til October 20.