For her WindowWorks exhibition, Your Move, Morales presents a large-scale, interactive n-puzzle. This sliding rebus is a 4 x 4 grid of jumbled, labeled squares with one square missing. To solve the puzzle, participants move the squares by sliding one piece at a time into the empty space created by the missing 16th square. The squares are fixed in a metal tray, and can only be moved by repositioning one square at a time. The words inscribed on each sliding element combine to create a statement that broadly references the conflict-resolution processes we employ on a day-to-day basis.
By involving the viewer as an active participant in the negotiation of this word puzzle, the artist makes evident our methods of problem solving in challenging life situations-focusing on negotiation, compromise, and resolution. Though the viewer is free to choose their resolution strategy, the tray and sliding process limit the participant to a select number of successful combinations. Morales’ Your Move is an example of the development of self-organization, and is an observation of the way that patterns can emerge from the implementation of simple rules. The game serves as an analogy for the somewhat counterintuitive notion that one can design or organize their life without regard for the restrictions presented by lifestyle, biological determination, and moral standard. The fact that the participant may fail to complete the puzzle is also an important consideration and causes us to recognize that, regardless of success or failure, one makes a lasting mark on their environment.
The artist wishes to thank: Artpace, Joshua the warrior, and my favorite “Fix-It-All” Joe.
