Fish Ping Pong
In preparation for rising waters, SUPERFLEX has been making works that function as art for humans and housing for fish. Fish Ping-Pong literalizes this idea, creating a pink stone ping-pong table inspired by the design of modernist housing blocks. The top of the table is functional ping-pong table, though there are two large holes in the surface that invite the players to reimagine the rules. Below, the table’s support resembles the façade of a brutalist building, with copious flat surfaces interrupted by window and door-like openings. The table is positioned so that one player looks out to sea and one player looks toward the city—in a certain sense, both are looking toward the future.
If the area was flooded, Fish Ping-Pong would create surface area on which microorganisms such as plankton and algae could gather, attracting other sea creatures. The holes allow for water flow and create pathways for fish. Additionally, it has been scientifically shown that coral polyps prefer to settle on the color pink, and so the color itself might help to foster biodiversity.
Reflecting on the last century’s utopian ideas for accessible housing, Fish Ping-Pong reimagines modernist architecture to accommodate other species. At the same time, it serves as an artwork and a play object for beachgoers.
