Kids' APT - A collaboration

In Runa Islam’s film The Restless Subject 2008, the artist includes footage of a thaumatrope (an optical toy invented in the 1800s) featuring a picture of a beautiful bird on a perch and, on the other side of the disc, a cage. As the thaumatrope spins, the two pictures appear to become one, creating the illusory effect of seeing the bird inside the cage. Runa Islam’s artist project for Kids’ APT, Make believe , invited children to make their own thaumatrope and discover more about the artist’s ongoing interest in illusion and film. Runa Islam Make believe Runa Islam Bangladesh/United Kingdom b.1970 Make believe 2009 Paper, wood, pencils, adhesive paper / Photograph: Katie Bennett It’s great that the children can participate so actively. It makes them feel like this is a space that welcomes them. Then they are willing to explore more and stay for longer. Being able to take things home means they can revisit the activities and continue the discussion at home. Parent’s response 26