Crucifix III (Relief), 2023
3D printed PLA plastic, acrylic spray paint, glue
29 x 15.8 x 8.3 cm
Crucifix III (Relief) (2023) is one of several 3D printed crucifixes featuring an anthropomorphised loot box, called Wally, from a fictional video game. The sculptures, varying in size and shape, show Wally in a variety of ambiguous acts depicting pleasure or pain, from their mouth being somewhat open to having their body slightly twisted. The works were originally produced for Sunday School, a solo exhibition by Bob Bicknell-Knight at Number 1 Main Road, Berlin, DE, 29th April – 23rd May 2023.
As our physical lives are becoming increasingly gamified the game industry has, for almost twenty years, been inserting ways of gambling real world money into video games. From purchasing extra lives to play another level in Candy Crush to buying new cosmetic options for your guns in Call of Duty, spending money within video games has become increasingly prevalent.
One of the most prevalent and destructive forms of monetization are loot boxes, consumable virtual items that are bought within the game which can be redeemed to receive a randomised selection of further virtual items, ranging from simple customization options for a player’s avatar or character to game-changing equipment such as weapons and armour. As the items are randomised players have previously spent thousands of pounds attempting to gain specific products in different games. These gambling mechanics have become widespread across the industry, with considerable harm being done to the most vulnerable players; children and people with gambling addictions. Loot boxes are now illegal in several countries, whereas recently the UK government decided that loot boxes will not be regulated under betting laws.
Crucifix III (Relief) has been included in the following exhibitions:
– Sunday School. At Number 1 Main Road, Berlin, DE, 29th April – 23rd May 2023.
BOB BICKNELL-KNIGHT 