The Distribution of Sensibility, V. II; Peter Friedl–Playgrounds

Last month we encountered a piece of paper stabbed with sticks into the sand at a popular local tot lot. On it was the message “Please, no defecating at the playground.” We’ve come to enjoy found-art moments like these, which make every trip to the playground a little different—the funky barrette affixed to a swing, the sticker-covered love letter fallen from a backpack, the graffiti carved into the slide. Playgrounds are one of the few examples of public art that demand to be used, changed, and interacted with, and lately every new one seems to boast of winning some design challenge. Friedl’s collection of six-hundred-plus photos of playgrounds, taken around the world since 1955, makes it clear that these sliver-and-bruise-generating artworks reflect their time and place as profoundly as any other medium. Come to think of it, that’s probably what the artist means by the ever-so-serious reference to a “distribution of sensibility.” 527 2nd Ave. S.E., Minneapolis; 612-605-4504; www.midwayart.org