Let Me Play My Game

Fei Gao

Gallery 4
Opening 01.05.19 6-8pm
Artist Talks 23.05.19 6-7pm

‘Let Me Play My Game’ is a response to the controversial clinical psychiatrist, Yang Yongxin, who practiced Electroconvulsive Therapy as a cure for alleged ‘gaming addiction’. Yang practiced this therapy without anaesthesia or muscle relaxants. Most of Yang’s patients were abducted by their parents and forced to participate in Yang’s anti-gaming Bootcamp. The hospital became a cult where Yang is worshipped, obeyed and feared.

This exhibition imagines the gallery space as an internet cafe that permits the expression of suffering from Yang. The internet café symbolises a safe space to escape, rest and recover. While playing hacked versions of popular games, the exhibition wants to reclaim the right to game and remember a generation of tortured teens.

Content Warning: This exhibition contains graphic images of violence against children. 
If you or someone you know has experienced, or is at risk of, violence and need help or support, please contact one of the support hotlines below:
1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or Lifeline on 13 11 14

Images

Fei Gao, Pokémon Gaokao, 2019, game made out of Pokémon Essentials, dimensions variable

Fei Gao, Hard Choices, 2018, game made out of Orange Light Game Maker, dimensions variable

Fei Gao, Polluted Minecraft, 2019, game on Minecraft, dimensions variable