In Roger Zelasny's Amber chronicles, written between 1970 and 1990, a struggle for power between divine entities is being fought out. The earth is one of the infinite worlds where mortals reflect the behaviour of the divine central figures in their efforts to conquer obstacles and survive intrigues. The chronicles were the source of inspiration for the Internet multi-user game Amber City. Multiple players can play together, react to each other and develop the game further or add objects to it. Once chosen, roles are set and strict rules and game-guards define the options and possibilities for development of the participants. Cohen's 'Amber City' introduces a world of mortals, an environment with vague memories of what was and is, an environment like endless others, an introduction for the visitor as new player in a continuous game of playing, working, eating and building. A commentator provides information about the history, data is casually mentioned, events, geography; it is up to the visitor to assess relevance. Entities are introduced while looking us straight in the eyes. We are given a look at the environment. Deserted lanes, bridges between parts of the city. Building activities betray a continual adaptation of the environment. Severe marble images and museological spaces suggest formal rules and historical boundaries to participation in the game. Fast images and buildings reflected in water betray the existence of other worlds. Nowhere is the visitor explicitly invited to play the game. A brief image of a monitor at the end of the video seems to suggest that this invitation is not necessary after all. The game has already started.
– Loek Stolwijk
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Sound: Gianluca Costamagna, Voice: Kyle de Camp, Production: Ondavideo/Gravity Hill
Jem Cohen ° 1962, Kaboel (Afganistan)
Lives and works in New York (USA)
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