Playable worlds newsletter #1

Hola ,
This is the very first edition of my newsletter and you're receiving it because I’d like to stay in touch! I have decided to start a newsletter to share updates and playable experiences run by me (or potentially my network). This is to move away from platforms run by meta. The reasons for that you can read in this article that I co-wrote with my .zip studio mates Roos Groothuizen and Ginevra Petrozzi. Besides, much of my activities are participatory and a direct communication, skipping the arbitrariness of algorithms on social media platforms, would benefit everyone involved. In this email, you’ll find news about the launch of my new website, a new body of work I’ve begun at my residency at EKWC, and upcoming participatory experiences. 

New website . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁

It already launched a couple of months ago, but I have not find a way to properly announce it: Thanks to the kind support of the Mondriaan Fonds, I was finally able to invest in a proper website. Saskia van der Meer worked her magic and has created a new space to present my work. I would love to hear your feedback, there may still be a few bugs that only kind visitors can help uncover. And if you are looking for a graphic designer I can highly recommend Saskia (DE/NL).

A new body of work 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟

My research into femme bodies, urination and gender spatial discrimination began three years ago with my series Ways of Peeing. Since then, I’ve explored the environmental implications of (female’s) urine and the alienation we feel toward our bodily fluids. This work has led to the creation of a new cosmology taking place in the late stages of estrogen pollution. With Songs for the Renewal I am creating a ritualistic site in which sound triggered urine fountains, whistles and urine whistles are used to connect the cycle of breaths to the cycle of fluids, ritual and mythology.

During a three month residency at the European Ceramic Work Centre (EKWC) and with the support of an incredible team of advisors I’ve created ceramic objects, mainly fountains and water whistles, for this participatory installation. I am now in the process of finalizing the electronic elements. If you’re curious to learn more, have relevant references, or are interested in collaborating or exhibiting this work, feel free to reach out!

If you want more urine content: Check out Marian van Bodegraven who is looking into gender and urination from an architectural point of view and and Ines Certo who takes photographs of urinating women.

˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ Upcoming Events ˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗

After being invited to game master the Unconference at WORM and reading The Art of Gathering (it is better than it appears!), I felt the strong desire to explore ceremonies and gatherings as a medium. Luckily, I soon got the opportunity to do so and would be happy if you come if you’re around:

That’s it. Thank you for your attention! I’d love to hear your feedback! I am for instance, curious to know if you would like more or less text or references and if it would be interesting for you to feature more playable experiences from my network. Consider also subscribing to the .zip newsletter to receive all the .zip news!

If you don’t want to receive any more newsletters from me I am sorry and you can unsubscribe below!

Warmly,

Sophie