The Privilege of Escape

2019
interactive installation
dimensions variable

 

The Privilege of Escape was an interactive, escape-room-inspired public art project. Escape rooms are live-action games where small groups of players work together to find clues and complete tactile logic puzzles in order to solve their way out of a room before time runs out.

Upon arrival, attendees found themselves cast as test subjects in a research study. After checking in, they were given lanyards marked “A” or “B” and directed into separate rooms. During the experiment, both groups raced against the clock to solve a series of self-directed exercises within 45 minutes. Afterward, they regrouped for a comparative performance analysis where they found out that they had the same tasks, but one group was given a game-changing limitation. Participants were asked to share their respective observations and feelings, creating a live, one-to-one comparison of struggling with structural disadvantage vs. performing to your full potential with the privilege of normal conditions. 

By distilling the mechanics of social inequity and repackaging them in a disarmingly playful environment, The Privilege of Escape transformed social privilege from an abstract concept into a tangible, emotional experience. The project acts as an experiential metaphor that ends by posing the question: "if people discover the game is unfair, will they work together to change it?"

This temporary public art installation was produced by Creative Time for its inaugural Emerging Artist Open Call. The project was hosted by Onassis USA from July 18 - Aug 11, with two extensions from Aug 13 - 18 and Sept 12 - 29 in 2019. 

 More Information:

Project collaborators:

  • Tech Designer and Puzzle Consultant: Brett Kuehner

  • Lighting Design: Brian Aldous, Avi Dobkin

  • Sound Design: Marcelo Añez

  • Social Justice Consultants: Rachel Elizabeth Cargle, Brett G. Stoudt, PhD

  • Director: Ran Xia

  • Performers: Carolina Do, Mieko Gavia, Sean Hinckle, Artem Kreimer, Tzena Nicole, John Racioppo

  • Fabricators: Tyler McKay, Set and Effects, The SHISANWU

  • Special Thanks: Room Escape Artist, Laura E. Hall, Jason Eppink, Haley E. R. Cooper, Meghan Finn