“Games reveal models which encourage particular psychological states or reenact rituals which have their origins in the species’ ancestry…. they duplicate almost every human condition, aspiration and social structure.”*

The paintings on display at Gallery 66 form a group of images that have stuck in my mind’s eye since first encountering them – both literally seeing them in other forms, some of them as long as 40 years or imagined recently. They all share a common characteristic of displaying a sequential ordering principle at work. The form of the majority of the pictures derives from the games board, now almost obsolete apart from chess. The addition of the cotton tapes and the central fold in the board suggests that the pictures are portable and for temporary use like a chart; or in Far Eastern scrolls, displayed on occasion and stored away closed when not in use.

A recurring theme in my work is the utilizing and adapting of popular imagery to try and make a serious, worthwhile point. The purpose of the game board pictures is to encourage contemplation rather than competition with any prize being the achievement of the viewer’s own personal goal.

Graham Day
London, October 2005
* p14 Diagram, K. Alban & J. Miall Smith 1977

The Game of Life is running from the 30 January – 3 March 2006
Monday through Friday 9 – 5 Saturday& Sunday 1 – 4
Gallery 66 Connecticut College 270 Mohegan Ave. New London, CT 06320 USA