Chess is a game of strategy that requires intelligence, patience and control. But could you play if you were three drinks in? Shanghai's best art blog, Bound Editorial, has teamed up with New York-based artist Seldon Yuan to host Under the Influence. Seldon has turned the traditional board game into a drinking game; all in the name of art. We caught up with the artist to find out more.

You’re here for the Jue Festival. What’s that?
The Jue Festival is a community of culture-makers getting together to give us a little insight into their self-constructed worlds and passions. They want to make our lives more interesting and less about money. Ultimately, it’s about turning people on to new things and broadening our tastes and our visual and mental worlds.

What will you be presenting?
I will be presenting a new art piece called Under the Influence, which will be both a sculpture and performance. Anyone can participate and essentially be a performer and artist. We will have a special game of go [Chinese chess] set up in which each piece will be a shot glass. When a piece is captured, it must be consumed by the captor, so it could be considered a tactical disadvantage to do so. Even if you think you’re good, you could get bad real quick.

What are you looking to get out of this piece?
Holy moly. Is this a first date? I feel like I’m having “the talk.” To be honest, I’m open to what happens and I’m not exactly sure what will happen. I know what I don’t want to happen–I don’t want anyone to die and I don’t want anyone to hurt me, but I’m not sure the order of importance. I think the element of alcohol may alter the strategies of the game, but the game also acts as a metaphor. Did I answer correctly? Please don’t dump me.

Fine. But only if you let our readers play with you.
If people would like to participate they can contact bound.editorial@gmail.com. If you want to play against a friend, we can set that up, or come solo and we’ll pair you up with someone of your dreams (or nightmares)! We’ll even teach the game to the uninitiated. Games, drinks, people and me. What else do you need, dude?

DETAILS

What: Under the Influence

Where: AroundSpace, Bldg. 9, Lane 202 and Bldg. 11, Lane 108, 696 Weihai Lu, 威海路696号202弄9号楼和108弄11号楼

When: Mar. 17-26

Web: boundeditorial.com