The Game of Wishful Thinking
THE GAME OF WISHFUL THINKING
Rules of Play
The platform surface of the station serves as a life size game board. The people who enter the station to wait for, board and de-board the trains will become the playing pieces by their very presence and movement across the board. Those waiting for the trains may actively play by following the various paths and trails on the board. They will be directed by signs and symbols. Players travel across the board by choosing the most appealing path but rather than being controlled by the throw of dice or drawing a card, players will be directed by their own thoughts, daydreams, or fantasies. Play is for one or more; there are no rules, no beginning or end to the game itself and moves may be repeated. As in real life, there will be obstacles to goals. Each path may be intercepted by other paths of diversion and chance.
© 1984 Joan Zalenski All rights reserved
Commissioned by Sacramento Commission for the Arts, Sacramento, CA
Installation at Watt-Manlove Station, Sacramento Light Rail System;
©1984; completed 1987.
300’ x 60’ concrete platform; stamped concrete, paint; Life-size interactive gameboard;
Special thanks to:
Jennifer Dowley, Millie Bautista, Consuelo Underwood, Patrick Mooney, Kim Heckes from Sacramento Arts Commission; Doug Hollis for your recommendation; Fabrication - Arthur F.Horvath & Pine Ironworks; Installation - Michael Cooley, Gerald Hong, Joan Zalenski, Rik Ritchey, Dan Aznoe and James Hollis.
Rules of Play
The platform surface of the station serves as a life size game board. The people who enter the station to wait for, board and de-board the trains will become the playing pieces by their very presence and movement across the board. Those waiting for the trains may actively play by following the various paths and trails on the board. They will be directed by signs and symbols. Players travel across the board by choosing the most appealing path but rather than being controlled by the throw of dice or drawing a card, players will be directed by their own thoughts, daydreams, or fantasies. Play is for one or more; there are no rules, no beginning or end to the game itself and moves may be repeated. As in real life, there will be obstacles to goals. Each path may be intercepted by other paths of diversion and chance.
© 1984 Joan Zalenski All rights reserved
Commissioned by Sacramento Commission for the Arts, Sacramento, CA
Installation at Watt-Manlove Station, Sacramento Light Rail System;
©1984; completed 1987.
300’ x 60’ concrete platform; stamped concrete, paint; Life-size interactive gameboard;
Special thanks to:
Jennifer Dowley, Millie Bautista, Consuelo Underwood, Patrick Mooney, Kim Heckes from Sacramento Arts Commission; Doug Hollis for your recommendation; Fabrication - Arthur F.Horvath & Pine Ironworks; Installation - Michael Cooley, Gerald Hong, Joan Zalenski, Rik Ritchey, Dan Aznoe and James Hollis.
