»Between Real and Realistic« investigates how the visual and narrative design of video games affects the perception of social realities — specifically labour and trade unions. In the format of a video installation an in-depth study of the triple-A game Red Dead Redemption 2 demonstrates how the boundaries between real and realistic become blurred, while at the same time reinforcing hegemonic notions of labour struggles and political agency.
Games as a genre are settled between art and entertainment which makes them a significant aspect of popular culture. The aim is to gain an understanding of the impact role-playing games have on social and political discourse. What limitations does the game exhibit in addressing the complexities of labour struggles and to what extent does it influence our perception of labour?
The desktop lecture reveals not only contemporary political mindsets, but also how games as a medium influences our collective imagination. Video games offer the opportunity to reflect on social power relations - at the same time, they harbour the danger of naturalising systemic inequalities through aestheticization and narrative structures.
Bernadette Geiger investigates the impact of technologies on society, in particular artificial intelligence, automation, and labour. Her focus is on exploring possibilities outside of current paradigms - whether they are paradigms of aesthetics, usage, technology, or economic boundaries.
She studied Design: Product and Communication at HTW Dresden and Experimental Publishing at Piet Zwart Institute Rotterdam. As part of the live event Prompt Battle she performed at several conferences and media festivals like re:publica, Transmediale and Beta Festival and published as a co-author in the peer-reviewed journal feministische studien. She is currently based in Rotterdam.
