Assignment
Archetype
1: the original pattern or model of which all things of the same type are representations or copies : prototype; also : a perfect example
2: an idea
3: an inherited idea or mode of thought in the psychology of C. G. Jung that is derived from the experience of the race and is present in the unconscious of the individual
“Often how we “look” gives people an idea of who we are but that may only be their perception. What image are we projecting? Who were the people in the images seen at the Met? How did you perceive them?Outlaws? Heros? Jesters? No one expected Patty Hearst, the newspaper heiress to be seen holding a gun in a bank. Suddenly she was transformed in the mind of the public from an innocent to the outlaw. The 1934 picture of Freddy Scheiderer who was 12 yrs. old depicted a young boy, seemingly innocent in those twelve years, yet he shot two of his sisters, killing one. So who are these people? Who are we? People tend to fall into character archetypes; literature, movies, all use archetypes to amplify and clarify the character.”
In this project, choose an archetype for yourself and, at least, one other figure in history or someone who has affected us, good or bad. Then write the rules/construct cards and to create a game called “The Meaning of Life.” By reflecting on our identity and its public representation, translate those ideas into the game.
Final
My interpretation of the project was to create a game that somehow answers the question that was presented, which is “what is the meaning of life?” I took inspiration from Carl Jung’s archetype list as well as the ouroboros, a symbol of cyclicality and the infinite repetitions of life as depicted by a snake eating its own tail. I chose 5 female figures, including myself, to represent 6 of the archetypes. I wanted to create a very interactive game in which the player utilizes not just the cards, but also the board itself. Despite its accessibility to a wide audience range, the individual experience varies since the game can only be played once and by one person. In the end, there is no definitive answer to what the meaning of life is, so whether the player correctly/incorrectly completes the game they will be greeted with 2 right answers.
Process
