“Checkmate,” the urban checkerboard that chronicles social conflict

In an era where art and urban design intertwine to give voice to the tensions of our time, “Checkmate” by Leonardo Canton and Edoardo Albertini (FOMO Studio) stands out as a symbolic, poetic, and political object all at once. More than just a simple game table, this chessboard is a visual statement, a three-dimensional reflection on the issue of social disparity that defines our cities. Standing approximately 80 cm tall, made of lacquered wood and powder-based 3D printing, Checkmate is designed to be experienced in urban space as an object of dialogue and provocation. Its deliberately disorienting aesthetic breaks away from the classic image of a neat, regular chessboard: here, the squares are not all on the same level. The irregularity in height reproduces the New York City skyline, a symbol of progress and ambition, but also of segregation and inequality. The chessboard thus becomes a metaphor for the social system: those positioned higher up enjoy a privileged view and greater control, while those starting from the bottom must face a real climb—both physical and metaphorical. An unequal challenge that reflects the economic and cultural barriers hindering social mobility.

The colors chosen by Canton and Albertini – oxidized green and copper – are not merely an aesthetic choice. They clearly reference the Statue of Liberty, a universal symbol of welcome, hope, and freedom. Its transformation over time, from shining copper to corrosion-green, perfectly mirrors the erosion of the American dream and, more broadly, the ideal of social equity. A dream that now appears worn out, much like the surface of Checkmate's squares. In Checkmate, the chess game is merely a pretext. The goal is not just to win, but to survive. Each move becomes a symbol of a strategy of resistance or domination. As the pieces move across uneven levels, they remind us that equal rules do not ensure equal starting points. The design itself forces players to physically confront the complexity of the terrain, just as in real life. Checkmate is not meant to remain confined within galleries or elite spaces. Its nature is public and dialogic. Integrated into the urban fabric, it questions the passerby, invites reflection, and encourages dialogue. It is an object that “furnishes” the city with critical awareness, transforming free time into a conscious experience.

The chessboard and pieces are available on the official FOMO Studios website.