Follow the Signs
A conversational role-playing game aiming to foster genuine connection
"Follow the Signs" is an interactive installation that invites viewers to go inward, get to know each other at a deeper level and contemplate the ways in which we choose to experience our lives. The work deals with themes of war, political tensions, security and insecurity within and outside of ourselves, and is heavily based on my personal experience living between Lithuania and Los Angeles in recent years, being so close yet so safely far from the wars and political tensions.
Overview
The project started as a means to escape the reality of the world that we live in, a tool for viewers to detach and redirect their attention towards finding peace within themselves and connecting with one another. The intention was slowly changed by my feelings ranging from guilt to anger, and it became a recording of my experiences within and outside of myself. The installation provides a time and space to support and be open to understanding each other's perspectives so that we could make a change collectively.
The game is open ended, inviting players' interpretations of visuals, words and combinations of the two into events. With the gameboard, I intended to create and fascinate a play session at a mental playground, opening the players up to themselves and their companions as they discuss and relate to the events of the game, the cards and between each other.
01. Cards and Game Pieces
The cards were painted by hand, further stylised and designed on Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. Cutting process indicated above.
Ceramic game pieces
02. Rulebook
03. Poster and Illustrations
Poster for the exhibition and play-through session with facilitator
Illustrations for card designs, done using watercolor paints
04. Installation and Exhibition
The gameboard was made to resemble a tree, with the players climbing higher and higher as they advance in the game. The gameboard layers can be rearranged up to the players' liking, layers added and subtracted; this way, the gameplay is even more unique with each reconstruction.
Game setup after gameplay at the opening of the exhibition