The Making
The Making
The Unmaking
24 cards 8 rounds 3 players
Players engage with their Kolam by following the instructions mentioned as ‘action’ on their card. The statements and actions vary, depending on
the type of the card drawn.
The cards prompt players to remove or add from their Kōlam, reflecting its evolving and ephemeral nature. Others introduce eternal elements, like sparrows and ants, that interact with and influence its evolution. Some cards ask the players to make a 'choice' that will affect their Kōlam moving forward.
Conceptualised and designed by Sagar Bhat,
Sabina Oțelea, Shiqing Ge, and Ren Han
Documentation shot by Sabina Oțelea and Shiqing Ge
Photo credits: Gonçalo Lopes and
Anna Diessner
Research, process and the practice
The process began with a textual script and storyboard, outlining the game’s rules and narrative flow to ensure a cohesive experience.
CNC-cut birch wood was chosen for its aesthetic appeal and functionality, enhancing the tactile quality of the game. To evoke the texture of powdered rice, white paint was mixed with wooden shavings, enriching the sensory experience and inviting players to connect more deeply with the ritualistic essence of Kōlam.
The Unmaking
Kolam
Interactive
/
Graphic Narrative
/
Game
Speculative, Interaction and Experiential Design, Art Direction
Blending art, culture, ritual practice, and storytelling in a narrative-driven game
Kōlam is a fusion of artistic skill, cultural heritage, and devotion passed down through generations in Tamil Nadu, India. The process of its creation and inevitable dissolution mirrors the cyclical nature of life itself.
The core idea behind the design of the performative game was to transform audiences from passive viewers into active participants. By engaging with the game, the audience immerse themselves in the experience, developing a deeper understanding of the art form within its socio-cultural context.
Kolam game invites reflection on gender politics, particularly the role of women in Tamil Nadu, who have long been the primary practitioners of Kōlam, and how this practice intersects with societal roles and cultural expectations.