Unsuccessful Wrestling

This augmented reality game was commissioned by Citizen University as part of the Joy of Voting Project, funded by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. Developed as an exercise in futility, the interactive work paired viewer participants as opponents in virtual space using surveillance cameras, projection mapping, and custom software. Participants engaged physical-digital combat from the safety of sequestered wrestling mats. They spared via overlapping, larger-than-life projections while spectators enjoyed their grappling, bobbing, kicking, and evasion maneuvers.

Unsuccessful Wrestling mirrors the high stakes and equally high fatigue of the 2016 USA federal election year. It highlights the folly of arguing one’s point from within an echo chamber. The installation includes AR game play, live-action performance facilitation, 4-Channel looping video (Unsuccessful Wrestling Techniques), live DJ, free pizza, graphic novel expanded coloring book pages, and local voting information.