![[OLD SEMESTER] 15-104 • Introduction to Computing for Creative Practice](wp-content/uploads/2023/09/stop-banner.png)
Jane Freidhoff https://janefriedhoff.com/
Studying at Columbia University and Parsons School of Design, and working at places like Google and New York University, Jane Freidhoff is an interdisciplinary artist who primarily makes small-scale video games. These games tend to explore power fantasies, specifically for marginalized groups who have historically (and even now) find disempowered in comparison to the archetypical straight white man. While violence, crime, and outrage are used to punctuate this power grab, the overall aesthetics of Freidhoff’s games are far less dark and intense. That is to say, the intensity within her games are usually found in the bright color palettes and oversaturated imagery, an aesthetic that I was immediately drawn to. This immediate juxtaposition is already quite funny, but that is not where Freidhoff’s sense of humor ends. Whether in scenarios (girls destroying a mall via car), game control (screaming to shoot a gun), or display (being able to win numbers so large that scientific notation is required), Freidhoff brings absurdity and fun to a need for power. That being said, there is a real layer of anger that sits beneath the surface of her work. Heavily inspired by Riot Grrrl, Freidhoff touches greatly on female rage, in addition to her struggles related to her queer and Jewish identities. I think I’m most drawn to Freidhoff’s aesthetics, sense of humor, and ability to tackle issues that I similarly face. The casual, funny, and relatable way she speaks about her work is also appealing to me.
Lecture: https://vimeo.com/287093861?embedded=false&source=video_title&owner=8053320