Human Playground: Why We Play

Human Playground is more than a book; it is a window into the astonishing world of sports, games, rituals and traditions. What drives us to play games? That is the tantalizing question that prompted Belgian photographer Hannelore Vandenbussche to embark on a worldwide expedition to explore this fascinating subject.

The journey: passion, competition and emancipation

Hannelore's quest has taken her to all corners of the world. From Central Asia to Portugal, her photography offers deep insight into the world of sports, the fire of athletic competition, and the rituals and celebrations that enrich the human spirit.

The athletes: portraits of tradition and innovation
The athletes Hannelore has captured tell a story that goes far beyond the sport itself. They embody old traditions while giving life to new ones. They are symbols of human determination, strength and creativity.

Buzkashi Players and Donga Stick Fighters: Old Traditions in New Light
In Central Asia and Ethiopia, Hannelore introduces us to the extraordinary sports of Buzkashi and Donga stick fighting. These sports are more than just games; they are living traditions that bridge generations and shape cultural identities.

Tarahumara runners and Gulf surfers: The limits of human performance
From the Tarahumara runners in Mexico to the great wave surfers in Nazaré, Portugal, Hannelore reveals the profound connection between man and nature, and the extraordinary lengths to which athletes go to fulfill their passions.

A world in pictures
Human Playground is not just about indigenous cultures or faraway places. It also includes a rich palette of both well-known and lesser-known sports and games from around the world. It introduces these to a wider audience, opening our eyes to the universal value of play and competition.

The Human Playground book: A new take on a timeless subject
Human Playground is more than a book of photographs; it is an artistic and cultural exploration that brings together the everyday and the extraordinary. It offers a fresh look at how old traditions are kept alive and new ones are born, and how rituals and celebrations are an integral part of our human experience. This extraordinary work invites us to think more deeply about what it means to play, compete, and be part of a rich, global community of athletes and players. A must-read for anyone interested in the complex and multifaceted world of sports and play.

Specifications
Title: Human Playground: Why We Play
Author: Hannelore Vandenbussche
Publisher: TeNeues
Size: 258 x 321 x 30 mm
Size: 288 pages
Weight: 2397 grams
Language: English
Material: Hardcover
ISBN: 9783961713776