The Fool’s Playground
2026
2026
⟡⟡⟡ The Fool’s Playground ⟡⟡⟡
How do elements of gamification come into play in extractive practices?
During my two-month residency at PADA, I spent time at the remains of pyrite processing at the Barreiro Industrial Park, formerly CUF’s chemical complex. Pyrite, known in alchemy as “fool’s gold,” was roasted to extract sulfuric acid. Today, the site is filled with ruins and covered by caput mortuum: an oxidised, iron-red toxic residue.Through the logic of play, the project looks at the consequences of profit-maximisation systems and explores forms of negotiation-based interaction.
The Fool’s Playground is a series of ceramic games inspired by existing marble games such as Sum Zero, Run Marble, and Rock Me Archimedes. Made with materials found on site, the games are glazed with collected caput mortuum, while unknown heavy-metal-contaminated spheres are used as marbles.
How do elements of gamification come into play in extractive practices?
During my two-month residency at PADA, I spent time at the remains of pyrite processing at the Barreiro Industrial Park, formerly CUF’s chemical complex. Pyrite, known in alchemy as “fool’s gold,” was roasted to extract sulfuric acid. Today, the site is filled with ruins and covered by caput mortuum: an oxidised, iron-red toxic residue.Through the logic of play, the project looks at the consequences of profit-maximisation systems and explores forms of negotiation-based interaction.
The Fool’s Playground is a series of ceramic games inspired by existing marble games such as Sum Zero, Run Marble, and Rock Me Archimedes. Made with materials found on site, the games are glazed with collected caput mortuum, while unknown heavy-metal-contaminated spheres are used as marbles.
Project was developed during the residency program at PADA, supported by European Move Culture and Stimulerings Fonds
