Dope Games
2024, hopscotch game, vinyl stickers placed on pavements
Amy Jackson's Dope Games poignantly subverts the carefree joy of childhood play to expose the insidious reach of the drug trade. Rendered in a deceptively gentle palette of pastel colors, this interactive installation transforms a familiar hopscotch grid into a visceral encounter with a harsh reality. “Childhood is a short season,” but Dope Games reveals that for many, it's barely a hop, skip, and a jump before innocence is stolen and futures are tragically curtailed.
The work invites active participation, prompting viewers to literally "stomp out" the notion that any child's suffering, fueled by the insatiable greed of the drug trade, is acceptable. The pastel hues initially evoke a sense of carefree joy, but each step on the grid reveals a stark truth, with each square a jarring juxtaposition of playful color and devastating data.
Strategically placed in public spaces, Dope Games transcends geographical and socioeconomic boundaries, underscoring the universality of this crisis. No child, regardless of their background, is immune. From affluent neighborhoods to impoverished communities in every corner of the world, the insidious tendrils of the drug trade ensnare children in every facet of its operation—as exploited laborers, vulnerable consumers, and victims of senseless violence.
Jackson, renowned for her darkly satirical critiques of societal structures, masterfully employs this interactive format to disrupt complacency and ignite a call to action. Dope Games is not merely an art object; it is an intervention, a poignant reminder that the fleeting season of childhood should be safeguarded, not sacrificed.
Embedded within the installation, a QR code offers a tangible path to engagement, allowing participants to donate to organizations dedicated to supporting children impacted by the drug trade. Through Dope Games, Jackson compels viewers to move beyond passive observation and embrace a sense of shared responsibility, demanding a world where the innocence of childhood is protected, not exploited.
"Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up."
Pablo Picasso
Make a difference with a single tap! Your $20 donation will be split between Shatterproof, aiding families affected by addiction in the US, and International Justice Mission, rescuing children from exploitation in the global drug trade. Together, these charities combat the drug crisis from all angles – supporting those struggling with addiction and protecting the vulnerable trapped in its supply chains.
To learn more or commission artwork, contact the artist directly via instagram @thisisamyjackson or email hello@thisisamyjackson.com
Amy Jackson is an award-winning conceptual artist, mother and sustainability specialist who is committed to raising awareness around issues surrounding climate change, socioeconomic inequality, mental health, racial and gender equality.