The Queens Rising Variation
The Queens Rising Variation is a conceptual game about playing the game of chess with a different mindset than usual. The objective is to cast aside the traditional rules of the game, which is checkmating the Kings. In this variation, the players have to limit the bloodshed on the board and with calculated moves and sacrifices work together to mutually reach their highest possible potential, which would be elevating all sixteen pawns to queens. With this game I am suggesting a change of attitude that could be a real game-changer in all competitions of humankind including diplomacy, economics, culture and relationships.
The visual realization of this project was an installation at the Fast Forward exhibition curated by Dana Roes at Big Arts, Sanibel, FL. The video of the final game between Masami Sugimori and I was projected on the wall, the sound of the chess pieces moving on the board could be heard through the gallery, a physical chess board, and edition of eighteen 12” red wooden queens.
Installation, conceptual game, video, eighteen red wooden queens 2021
Leila Mesdaghi vs. Masami Sugimori
The video shows the final game played between me and Dr. Masami Sugimori who is a high-level chess player after figuring out the best way we could play The Queens Rising Variation. Both kings had to be moved to the opposite sides of the board to avoid an accidental checkmate, all pawns are pushed to the opposite end, and then they all elevate to red queens followed by a final dance between the queens. The game ends by the threefold repetition rule, which means if a game reaches the same position three times, a draw can be claimed and both will be equal.