Knots and Crosses is an artifact of institutional experimentalism, where the relationship between individuals and structures of power is constantly evolving and under scrutiny. Using fallen tree branches, the ‘game’ reflects the resilience and value of overlooked resources, much like those marginalised within institutional frameworks. This act of reclamation proposes the potential for growth and renewal within oppressive systems.

The ‘frame’ disrupts the symmetry of the classic game of knots and crosses. This imperfection seeks to highlight that seemingly rigid institutional structures are in fact weaker and more tenuous than we often perceive. This instability in structure provides opportunities for subversion and transformation, challenging the illusion of invulnerability that these systems project.

The ‘knots’ interrogate the complexity of navigating competitive, hierarchical environments. Though bound and twisted, the yellow tips of the branches point to potential growth beyond the rigid confines of the ‘game square’. The ‘crossed’ heavily knotted branch, bound to the verticals, reveals the weight of these institutional constraints, while the graduated shades of blue suggest the potential for both compromise and struggle within such systems.

The competitive nature of institutional hierarchies mirrors a game, where individuals are constantly ‘crossed’ or blocked in their efforts to progress, often manipulated by unseen forces. Knots and Crosses encourages viewers to reflect on the competitive, often toxic dynamics of institutional hierarchies, while recognising the possibilities for growth, transformation, and resistance within these structures.

Knots & Crosses, Acrylic on mixed media, 2024, 1000h, 1050w, 350d

Note: The background colour is for clarity only and is not part of the work.