Talia Abdurrachman Grossman

Over the Board metaphorically transports the viewer back in time to a chess game played in New York City in 1938. The game was contested by my great-grandfather, Howard Grossman, and Fred Reinfeld, one of America’s top ten chess players. Howard played with white, Fred played with black, and Howard was defeated.

The installation features 2 synchronised videos. The first, projected onto the table, displays the moves made during the game. The second, projected onto the wall, is a reenactment of the game, in which I portray Fred and my grandfather (Howard’s son David) portrays Howard.

Over the Board explores several key themes, including human fallibility, generational connection, and the dynamic relationship between the past, present, and future. Perhaps most significantly, the piece highlights the concept of impermanence. As moves are made, Howard’s “hand” and consciousness persist. They can almost be touched, but remain forever out of reach.