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Carsten Höller, the master of playful installations that invite audience participation, has gifted us with something truly unique: "Book of Games."
Check Price on Amazon This isn't your average collection of party games; it's a 760-page exploration of perceptual playtime, a meticulously crafted compendium of 336 mind-expanding diversions designed to disrupt the mundane and ignite a sense of childlike wonder. This book is a portal to a world where the ordinary becomes extraordinary, where the familiar is defamiliarized, and where the simple act of playing becomes a profound act of engagement with ourselves and the world around us.
What sets "Book of Games" apart is its sheer ambition and scope. Höller doesn't just provide instructions; he curates experiences. Each game, playable alone, in pairs, or in groups and requiring no props whatsoever, is a carefully designed experiment in human behavior and perception. Whether you're on a train, in bed, or walking down the street, these games offer an opportunity to step outside your comfort zone and engage with your surroundings in new and unexpected ways.
The games themselves range from the subtly subversive to the outright daring. Some involve injecting bizarre phrases into everyday conversations, observing the reactions they elicit. Others challenge physical limitations, like performing a somersault without any prior practice. And some, like unexpectedly shouting "bang!" during a parking maneuver, are designed to provoke a reaction, highlighting the often-unconscious social scripts we follow. This element of playful disruption is central to Höller's vision. He wants us to question our assumptions, to challenge the boundaries of social interaction, and to rediscover the joy of spontaneous play.
Höller's background in science is evident throughout the book. He describes his creations as "Influential Environments," designed to test the limits of the brain through activity and passivity, agency and inertia. This isn't just about frivolous fun; it's about exploring the very nature of human perception and behavior. The games are designed to tease the brain, to create moments of disorientation and wonder, ultimately widening the player's horizons.
The book is beautifully designed and visually rich, enhancing the overall experience. Each game is accompanied by carefully selected artworks and photographs, creating a visual dialogue that further expands the game's conceptual framework. The inclusion of works by renowned artists like August Sander, Rineke Dijkstra, Salvador Dalí, Nan Goldin, and Joseph Beuys elevates the book beyond a simple rulebook, transforming it into a work of art in itself. The juxtaposition of these artworks with Höller's games creates a fascinating interplay between art and life, blurring the lines between the two. We find portraits by Inez van Lamsweerde & Vinoodh Matadin, snapshots of Donna Haraway with her dog, film stills by Chantal Akerman, extracts from Shakespeare, treasures from Höller’s personal archive, including photos from his mother. The eclectic mix creates a rich tapestry of visual and conceptual inspiration.
The book's origins are as intriguing as the games themselves. Höller conceived his first game in 1992 during a dull dinner after an exhibition opening. Since then, he has been collecting and inventing ideas, drawing inspiration from friends, life experiences, the Surrealists, and even the poetry of Arthur Rimbaud. This personal touch adds a layer of intimacy to the book, making it feel like a direct invitation into Höller's playful mind.
The editorial work by Stefanie Hessler and Hans Ulrich Obrist is impeccable. They have masterfully curated the content, ensuring that the book is not only intellectually stimulating but also visually engaging and accessible. Their expertise in the art world shines through, adding another layer of depth and context to Höller's work.
"Book of Games" is more than just a book; it's an experience. It's an invitation to rediscover the joy of play, to challenge our perceptions, and to engage with the world in new and meaningful ways. It's a book that will stay with you long after you've finished reading it, prompting you to look at the world with a renewed sense of curiosity and wonder. It’s a true testament to the power of play and a must-have for anyone interested in art, creativity, and the human experience. This is a book that deserves a place on every bookshelf, ready to be picked up and played with whenever a moment of playful disruption is needed.
Artdaily participates in the Amazon Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn commissions by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. When you purchase through our links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help us continue curating and sharing the art world’s latest news, stories, and resources with our readers.
