The Chessboard of Dreams
2026
The Chessboard of Dreams invites the viewer to enter the intimate, marvelous, almost delirious universe of Joseph Arzoumanov, where preciousness reigns supreme.
Created for the first exhibition of the Fondazione Dries Van Noten during the 2026 Venice Biennale and composed of gold, silver, and more than five hundred precious stones, The Chessboard of Dreams transcends the mere object of contemplation and technical virtuosity. It questions the place of creation in the age of artificial intelligence and redefines the roles of the artist and the spectator in the face of new technologies.
Depicting the encounter between the grandparents of the artist, the game is inspired by their life story, framed by the context of the Cold War. In a passionate duel, two phantasmagorical sides face off : the court of the Moon in black silver and the court of the Sun in white silver. To translate these epic intrigues into chess games, artificial intelligence generated a unique battle inspired by the personality and history of each chesspieces, setting this miniature theater of destiny in motion.
Unique work
Gold, silver, sapphires, rubies, emeralds, white and black diamonds, topaz, mother-of-pearl, gold and silk haberdashery, Armenian volcanic stone, wood marquetry, calfskin parchment, Murano glass, bronze, steel, robotic components.
216 x 87 x 87 cm
