Tonight, I find myself sitting in a cozy coffee shop near my house, engrossed in working on some articles and brainstorming new ideas. This has become a regular routine for me, as I often seek out different environments to spark my creativity. At the adjacent table, a group of young people engages in an animated discussion about badminton and the strategies involved in playing the game proficiently. While they may not be professional players, their enthusiasm for discussing tactics and immersing themselves in the Homo Ludens spirit is evident. This scene raises a few questions for me.
Personally, I also enjoy playing badminton in an amateur club with other gentlemen who share a similar passion. However, it seems that some members of the club take the game very seriously, leading to tensions, taunting, and even unkind remarks. This phenomenon extends beyond sports and permeates various aspects of life, such as politics, art, economics, business, law, ideology, and religion. Nevertheless, it becomes particularly apparent within the realm of sports. People compete not only for victory but also for self-esteem. The recognition and self-appreciation gained from success can trigger dopamine release, providing a sense of pleasure and satisfaction.
Homo Ludens: Immerse in the Playful Tapestry of Human Interaction
In his theory of Homo Ludens, Johan Huizinga suggests that humans have been engaged in games long before the advent of culture, and even animals engage in play without being taught. However, the inherent desire to win creates tension. Those driven by ego often position themselves as the central players, while others assume supporting roles. Life and the world become arenas for playing and competing. Yet, Aristotle’s assertion that “humans are social beings” reminds us that we cannot be separated from our fellow human beings. Consequently, we are intrinsically connected to the social structures that shape our interactions.
As social creatures, we understand that all social structures are essentially agreements among individuals. Each group of people constructs abstract narratives and imaginative fictions to unite others. This concept is known as “intersubjectivity.” From intersubjectivity, an imaginary order emerges, shared and believed by the community. This imagined community serves as a foundation for collaboration and cooperation, bound by shared beliefs.
The notion of games and the philosophy behind them serves as the conceptual framework for my collection, titled “Homo Ludens,” inspired by Thomas Huizinga’s work. Through symbolic and metaphorical language, I create visuals that depict an artificial toy-like world reflecting our present reality.
Embark on a Playful Journey through Artistic Reflections
This collection features several works available on the NFT Foundation marketplace. Among them, “System Traps” portrays the traps within game systems, where the perpetrators ultimately become objects of the system rather than active participants. “Game Changer” illustrates the existence of external forces influencing the game, often operating behind the scenes and capable of altering its outcome.
“The Imagined Community” captures an imaginary social order interconnected by shared beliefs and collective imagination. Additionally, “In Disruption We Trust” explores the ever-evolving nature of meta-beliefs within systems, as no system remains steadfast for an extended period, particularly in this rapidly changing world. Each work in this collection reflects the artist’s response to their own beliefs, encapsulating the idea that the world operates akin to a game, with each game reaching an end and resetting to establish a new order.
Please take a moment to explore the artworks in my Homo Ludens collection. Your presence and support are sincerely appreciated. Thank you.