Strategic Interplay: African Art and Imagery in Black and White
Strategic Interplay examines the dynamic relationship between African art and chess, tracing nearly 1,500 years of cultural exchange and influence. Across all media, the exhibition emphasizes themes of conflict and power, where chess becomes a symbolic battlefield for domination and resistance. Through its motifs, the exhibition explores strategic maneuvers, socio-political struggles, and the creative interplay of competition and control across history. 2024
Toledo Museum of Art
Lanisa Kitchiner
Wendy Grossman
Jason DePriest
Aly Krajewski
Exhibition design Signage and layout
3D modeling
The exhibition design centers the chessboard as the central axis battleground, opening multiple sightlines across the space to challenge viewers. It invites them to see the game of chess as a lens through which African art and the tactical maneuvers deployed by artists are explored. Visitors are encouraged to participate in playable chess games, but these interactions are experienced through a window, creating a barrier that forces opposition between participants throughout their journey and gameplay.