A striking photograph, taken on an iPhone 14, has perfectly captured a moment of pure childhood wonder within a futuristic art installation. The image, titled 'At Play, 2025', was shot by photographer Anne Rayner during a family day out in Newcastle and Gateshead.
A Family Day Out on the Quayside
Anne Rayner was enjoying a trip with her husband, Bob, and her two-year-old granddaughter, Phoebe. While Phoebe's mother cared for her six-month-old twin brothers at home, the trio explored Newcastle's city centre. Their journey took them along the scenic quayside, across the iconic Gateshead Millennium Bridge, and past landmarks like the Tyne Bridge and The Glasshouse International Centre for Music.
Their final destination was the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art in Gateshead. There, they visited Harold Offeh's exhibition 'The Mothership Collective 2.0', which remains on display until 18 January. The exhibition is described as a sci-fi playscape designed for collaborative encounters.
Capturing a Moment of Joyful Interaction
Within the exhibition, Rayner's granddaughter was immediately drawn to a section featuring large, bubble-like inflatable plastic balls. As Phoebe reached out to engage with the artwork, Rayner seized the moment with her smartphone.
She noted how the geometric lines, strong colours and dramatic shadows within the space came together to create a visually striking image. The resulting photograph is a vibrant snapshot of interaction, where the intent of the artist—to encourage joy through play—was vividly realised.
The Lasting Impact of Play
Rayner reflected on the success of the outing, stating that the artist's ambition was fully achieved for her granddaughter. Phoebe enthusiastically rolled, threw, and kicked the inflatable pieces. The experience was so engaging that after a cafe lunch, the little girl asked to return to the exhibition for a second visit.
The day left a lasting impression. At bedtime, Phoebe excitedly relayed the details of her adventure to her parents and baby brothers. For Rayner, the photograph serves as a perfect capsule of that joyful memory, demonstrating how powerful smartphone photography can be in documenting everyday art and family moments.
