Join artist Risa Puno for an intimate exploration into "Group Hug," her groundbreaking solo exhibition at the Fabric Workshop Museum that reimagines familiar games as vehicles for processing complex emotions. In this talk, Puno will reveal how she transforms arcade classics like Whack-a-Mole into powerful metaphors for caregiving and family dynamics while sharing insights into the delicate process of designing interactive experiences that balance engagement with emotional depth.
From collaborative design with fabricators to carefully selecting materials and sounds, Puno will guide us through the creative decisions that shaped this deeply personal exhibition. Learn how she adapted familiar game mechanics to create safe spaces for vulnerability, integrated pre-colonial Philippine concepts of 'kapwa' (shared humanity), and designed innovative physical interfaces that invite meaningful participation.
We'll explore the unique challenges of translating personal experiences into public interactions, including how to craft experiences that respect both individual and collective needs. Puno will discuss her approach to creating "coconut pods" that offer comfort and protection, the importance of consent in interactive design, and how sound design can transform spatial experiences.
This conversation with Gameplayarts executive director Jamin Warren offers valuable insights into game design as a cultural practice. It provides inspiration for creators interested in using play to explore serious themes while maintaining accessibility and engagement.
Speaker
Risa Puno is an interactive artist who takes play seriously. She packages complex social topics into disarmingly fun experiences to help people connect more openly and easily. Her work often involves game-like elements that give people the framework and permission to push their limits within a safe space, while allowing them the freedom to tap into genuine emotions.
Based in New York City, Puno has exhibited with institutions throughout the US and internationally, including the Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, The Bronx Museum of the Arts, New Children's Museum, and Science Gallery Dublin. In 2019, her project The Privilege of Escape won Most Innovative Immersive Experience in the Immersion Awards. Her work has been featured across radio and print, including in The New York Times, NPR, The New Yorker, and The Boston Globe. Puno studied art and medicine at Brown University and earned her MFA from New York University.
Photos by Talisman Brolin. This event was held on Monday, October 28th at 10 AM.
Join artist Risa Puno for an intimate exploration into "Group Hug," her groundbreaking solo exhibition at the Fabric Workshop Museum that reimagines familiar games as vehicles for processing complex emotions. In this talk, Puno will reveal how she transforms arcade classics like Whack-a-Mole into powerful metaphors for caregiving and family dynamics while sharing insights into the delicate process of designing interactive experiences that balance engagement with emotional depth.
From collaborative design with fabricators to carefully selecting materials and sounds, Puno will guide us through the creative decisions that shaped this deeply personal exhibition. Learn how she adapted familiar game mechanics to create safe spaces for vulnerability, integrated pre-colonial Philippine concepts of 'kapwa' (shared humanity), and designed innovative physical interfaces that invite meaningful participation.
We'll explore the unique challenges of translating personal experiences into public interactions, including how to craft experiences that respect both individual and collective needs. Puno will discuss her approach to creating "coconut pods" that offer comfort and protection, the importance of consent in interactive design, and how sound design can transform spatial experiences.
This conversation with Gameplayarts executive director Jamin Warren offers valuable insights into game design as a cultural practice. It provides inspiration for creators interested in using play to explore serious themes while maintaining accessibility and engagement.
Speaker
Risa Puno is an interactive artist who takes play seriously. She packages complex social topics into disarmingly fun experiences to help people connect more openly and easily. Her work often involves game-like elements that give people the framework and permission to push their limits within a safe space, while allowing them the freedom to tap into genuine emotions.
Based in New York City, Puno has exhibited with institutions throughout the US and internationally, including the Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, The Bronx Museum of the Arts, New Children's Museum, and Science Gallery Dublin. In 2019, her project The Privilege of Escape won Most Innovative Immersive Experience in the Immersion Awards. Her work has been featured across radio and print, including in The New York Times, NPR, The New Yorker, and The Boston Globe. Puno studied art and medicine at Brown University and earned her MFA from New York University.
Photos by Talisman Brolin. This event was held on Monday, October 28th at 10 AM.
About Our Programming
Interdisciplinary
We love having people from a variety of backgrounds. You don't need to be a "games" person.
Original
Our attendees come from all walks of life from around the world! New things come from new places.
EMERGENT
No experts here. We're looking for folks on their way to where they want to go.