Sony PlayStation 2s, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, monitors, modified controllers, folding chairs
Dimensions variable
In the center of the room are two black folding chairs, each cradling a PlayStation 2 setup for someone to play San Andreas, with each system's controller modified. One has all of its buttons and controls removed except for the combat button, lacking any ease of movement, allowing you only the ability to directly aggress whatever is directly in front of you. Your only ability to move is through the slight lunge forward every time CJ throws a punch. The other system’s controller has all controls left intact except for one: the combat button has been removed, and you have full “agency” and freedom of movement, but lack any meaningful way to defend yourself. The former being an allegory for the lack of social movement and circumstance that traps my people in the hood, and causes us to fight each other instead of the powers that be in such a place. And the latter being an allegory for how people strip parts of themselves, self-censor and submit themselves in exchange for access to “higher” parts of society. It's like sacrificing your arms to summon the rain, just to end up drowning in the flood it creates.