A new exhibition titled Game On! at Toronto’s Aga Khan Museum delves into the history of games and sports, showcasing their significance as cultural artifacts that reflect societal values and interactions across civilizations. Curated by Bita Pourvash, the exhibit emphasizes the universal language of games and their ability to foster connections among people.
The exhibition commences with Yoko Ono’s installation, Playing by Trust, featuring a white chess set on a table, symbolizing collaboration and trust in gameplay rather than just winning or losing. Among the showcased artifacts is a nearly complete ancient chess set, revealing the evolution of chess through different regions and cultures over time.
Chess, originating in India as chaturanga, spread to Persia, Arab world, and Moorish Spain, adapting characteristics from each region. Polo, another sport highlighted in the exhibit, traveled through Central Asia to China, Japan, and Iran, showcasing how sports can influence art and culture, as evidenced by its mention in Sufi poetry.
Additionally, Game On! includes commissioned artworks, such as a video game exploring Al Azm Palace in Damascus, crafted by Syrian-Canadian artist Jawa El Khash. The exhibit also features Glorious Bones by Canadian artist Esmaa Mohamoud, which uses American football helmets covered in wax print cloth to prompt reflection on the treatment of athletes, particularly Black athletes, in society.
Pourvash encourages visitors to contemplate how games have connected societies throughout history and will continue to do so in the future. By examining ancient game pieces, the exhibit prompts reflection on the enduring nature of games as a link between past and future generations.
Game On! is currently on display at the Aga Khan Museum in North York, Ontario, until September 7.