Schematic drawing; finished piece made with industrial paint chips on board; 50"x25"x2"

This piece is a combination of the classic arcade game Tetris and the phrase “tête-à-tête,” a French phrase meaning “without the intrusion of a third party.” However, as there are three pieces of the game represented here (rather than the typical seven), shown in three variations of Caucasian skin tones, this piece can also be interpreted through another French phrase, “ménage-à-trois” (a situation in which three people, such as a couple and a lover, have an intimate relationship).

The game Tetris is played by changing the orientation of shapes as they fall to form a solid line at the bottom of the screen. The three of the seven shapes from the game, the ‘T’ the ‘L’ and the ‘S’ (all shown backwards, forwards and in variations on their axes) here represent extremely simplified bodily positions (interlocking, bending, contorting and head to head, as the direct translation of the title goes). These four-square piece-combinations form a complete and solid unit on the board, something rarely if ever done in either the game or, for that matter, in real life.
 

 

 

Collection Kate Pelletiere, Chicago

Link to article in which this piece is reference is here.