Domino Table Talks - Episode 2
10/01/2024
The first two episodes of Domino Table Talks were filmed in Doris C. Freedman Plaza at Central Park alongside celebrated Puerto Rican artist Edra Soto’s first large-scale work in New York City. Produced by Public Art Fund, Graft is inspired by wrought-iron screens (rejas) commonly found outside homes in Puerto Rico. On view until August 24, 2025, Graft features repeating geometric motifs linked to West Africa’s Yoruba symbol systems in contrast with the Spanish colonial architecture often highlighted in Puerto Rican tourism. Tables and seating beside the sculpture invite visitors to the “inside” of this home, creating an intimate gathering atmosphere for dominos or conversation.
With Edra Soto’s Graft as the setting and inspiration, the second episode of Domino Table Talks featured artists Esperanza Mayobre and Risa Puno, poet Edwin Torres, and filmmaker Frances Negrón-Muntaner. Throughout the game and lively conversation, the participants generated a collective and imaginative reading of the domino table, discussing the symbolism behind each piece. The group explored the multiple overlapping diasporas that have led various cultures to claim domino as their game.
“So I see all the tiles as parts of the body. It’s like a poem. A poem exists in this way. You’re putting things together. And it’s always changing graphically. So it’s different, capillary systems. Different, like Rorschach tests, according to how you put things together.”
CREDITS: This episode was created in partnership with the Public Art Fund. Episode produced by SandenWolff Productions, Noah Therrien, with Nathaniel Reininga and Jude McCormick. Logo graphics created by Scott Kelly from Van Alen Institute. Episode music by Los Pleneros de la 21. “La fiesta campesina” was composed by Roberto Cipreni.