Pickleball’s not the only paddle game: TOPSP!N celebrates the art of table tennis

In recent times, pickleball, a rapidly growing paddle sport that combines tennis, badminton, and ping-pong elements, has been a popular topic of discussion. However, Glasgow creative studio Pim-Pam still holds a special place for table tennis, as demonstrated by their upcoming launch of TOPSP!N. This exhibition series, now in its third edition, turns ping-pong paddles into sought-after pieces of art to support community sports.

Taking place at Wasps Studios’ South Block in Glasgow, TOPSP!N follows the success of SP!N in 2019 and BACKSP!N in 2022, showcasing a unique blend of creativity, sports, and social impact. The lineup of contributors this year includes comic book artist Frank Quitely, Scottish landscape painter Robert Kelsey, hip-hop artist Bemz, and signwriting specialists from Bungo Sign Co.

Featured artists also include illustrator Agata Pietrusz, visual artist Craig Black, West African artists Osa Seven and Adaora Lumina, and Glasgow-based duo Conzo:Globel. The diverse group of participants highlights the universal appeal of table tennis, a sport that transcends age, background, and geography, much like art itself.

Drumchapel Table Tennis Club (DTTC), the exhibition’s beneficiary, has been promoting this universal quality for more than three decades. As one of Britain’s largest table tennis organizations, DTTC boasts over 300 members, ranging from primary school children to octogenarians, who actively participate in the sport weekly. The club plays a vital role in the Drumchapel Community Sports Hub, promoting talent development, physical activity, and social inclusion throughout Glasgow.

Previous editions of the exhibition featured artist-designed paddles, with SP!N in 2019 focusing on themes of balance, resilience, and strength, and BACKSP!N in 2022 showcasing over 60 unique designs, including works by Turner Prize winner Martin Boyce.

TOPSP!N holds significance for Pim-Pam, an acclaimed studio with clients like Bentley Motors, Highland Park, and UEFA. It serves as more than just an exhibition, symbolizing the lasting cultural value of sports beyond passing trends. Luke McCarthy, founder and creative director at Pim-Pam, emphasizes that the event celebrates creativity, collaboration, and community, while also raising funds for DTTC’s impactful work in Glasgow and beyond.

Visitors to the exhibition can bid on their favorite paddle designs in person or online until April 18, with proceeds supporting DTTC’s grassroots development efforts. The auction site can be accessed at www.pim-pam.co.uk/topspin. The event, which also offers opportunities to meet contributing artists and challenge young players from Drumchapel, runs until April 27, 2025, at South Block, Glasgow.