Chess in a Round

Medium: Handmade ceramic sculpture, magnet assembly, wood
See the performances here
Size: Variable between 3 to 4.5 inch in height
Year: 2021

Every ceramic sculpture in the set is designed individually, with a body and head connected by magnet. When a pawn is promoted to a queen by crossing the board completely, the head of the soldier can detach and sit on the body of the queen, transforming into a queer queen. The interchangeability of these sculptures challenges the fixed associations of gender, race, and hierarchy embedded in the traditional game.

The geometry of the square board is also transformed, reworked into a rotating circle that allows more players to engage simultaneously. As the table turns, each participant gets the chance to play the white or black side, surrendering any fixed position on one color's victory.