Spin To Win, 2023
Ink and acrylic on canvas, plywood, 3D printed PLA plastic, metal brackets, plastic sheet, lazy susan hardware, spray paint, screws, bolts
125 x 125 x 15 cm
Spin To Win (2023) is part of a body of work exploring predatory monetization practices within video games, specifically loot boxes, and the ongoing insertion of gambling mechanics into virtual experiences. The work was originally produced for Insert Coin, a solo exhibition by Bob Bicknell-Knight at CABLE DEPOT, London, UK, 1st February – 19th April 2023.
The act of visiting the exhibition space was gamified, with visitors being encouraged to spin Spin To Win, a rotating painting, to win prizes. On entering the gallery you were provided with a loyalty card, traditionally seen in cafes to encourage repeat business where, if you buy nine cups of coffee, you’ll get the tenth for free. In this case, once stamped, the loyalty card enables the visitor to have one free spin of the painting.
The painting, made up of six separate categories, enables the visitor to land on a series of algorithmically generated images of luxury items, consisting of private planes, houses, yachts, sports cars, private islands and passports. Once spun visitors are able to select their prize from a series of wall-based 3D printed shelves that contain a number of 3D printed sculptures resembling and referencing each of the six categories.
Spin To Win has been included in the following exhibitions:
– Platforms Project Independent Art Fair, presented by Cable Depot. At Athens, GR, 26th – 29th October 2023.
– Insert Coin. At CABLE DEPOT, London, UK, 1st February – 19th April 2023.
BOB BICKNELL-KNIGHT 