In a game of ‘Rock, Paper, Scissors’, rock breaks scissors, scissors cut paper, and paper covers rock. The dualities established by the rules keep the elements on par, and allow for a definite and indisputable set of outcomes.
In the midst of the 2019 revolution, we started a conversation around the possibility of change. The spike of hope that had surged with the start of the revolution was met by a crushing disillusionment not long after. This realization led to a collaborative investigation of power dynamics, distancing ourselves from the event itself.
“How to stop a rock from growing” explores the dynamics of social and political change - or the lack thereof - in a minimal, decontextualized and abstract simulation of a rigged Rock-Paper-Scissors game where we inspect the consequences of having one of the elements missing. By limiting the game to only two options, we underscore how, in such situations, power dynamics can become unfairly skewed.
The body of work is a visual commentary on power struggle, fragility, and absurdity.
Power struggle studies the confrontation between rock and paper in a performative approach. Fragility takes a closer look at how their respective material properties react to outside factors. Absurdity questions the attributes assigned to them in the game, and how the two elements affect one another in their interaction.
Power Struggle
excerpt from Power Struggle, Video 1 [13']
Edition of 2 + 2 AP, 2023
How to Stop a Rock from Growing, Wall B, simulation
25x25x7.5cm each
Editions of 2 + 2 AP, 2019
he how to stop a rock from growing installations highlight the duality that is a crucial component of Laetitia Hakim & Tarek Haddad’s work. They depict observations of the same event through two perspectives, one missing some elements, another with a cropped range of visibility, both incomplete.
Chapter 1: Power Struggle
Exhibition View, Galerie Tanit, 2023
Power Struggle, Video 2 [4'30]
Edition of 2 + 2 AP, 2023
In Power struggle, the game of Rock-Paper-Scissors which is usually played for just a few rounds runs compulsively and for an extended period of time. There is a dissonance between the highly orchestrated game on the TV screen and the more organic/chaotic attempts projected by its side.
Chapter 1: Power Struggle
Exhibition View, Galerie Tanit, 2023
Fragility
In fragility, the experimentation takes place outside the bounds of the game and inspects the materiality of the elements in the face of external factors. Their rule-abiding attributes are put to question when their physical properties are activated.
Chapter 2: Fragility
Exhibition View, Galerie Tanit, 2023
Tipping Point
from Chapter 2: Fragility
40x40cm each
Edition of 5 + 2 AP, 2019
The Asteroid
from Chapter 2: Fragility
80x80cm
Edition of 5 + 2 AP, 2019
Pressure Points
from Chapter 2: Fragility
40x40cm each
Edition of 5 + 2 AP, 2019
Specs of Dust
from Chapter 2: Fragility
25x25cm each
Edition of 5 + 2 AP, 2019
Absurdity
Chapter 3: Absurdity
Exhibition View, Galerie Tanit, 2023
Reversal
from Chapter 3: Absurdity
40x40cm each
Edition of 5 + 2 AP, 2019
Entity
from Chapter 3: Absurdity
25x25cm each
Edition of 5 + 2 AP, 2019
Chapter 3: Absurdity
Exhibition View, Galerie Tanit, 2023
The Mask
from Chapter 3: Absurdity
80x80cm
Edition of 5 + 2 AP, 2019
In absence of equilibrium, the game shifts to new and uncharted grounds. In absurdity, the elements start emulating one another. Roles get reversed. Paper beats rock, takes its shape, and poses as if it were a rock itself.
Chapter 3: Absurdity
Exhibition View, Galerie Tanit, 2023