‘I’ve always been interested in the way children use and take up space, the way they can take over a place with abandon. These children climbed on to this sculpture without taking a moment to consider whether or not this was even allowed. It was a summer day, heavy with heat, and as they paused for a moment to rest, I was immediately taken with the shape of them – all together, so confident – posed among the trees and plants. It made the scene feel almost otherworldly.’

Photograph: Bella Kirchner