Brigade's current group exhibition brings together five artists to confront the concept of Zugzwang, a situation in chess, where every possible move worsens ones position, mirroring the modern paradox of entrapment in the very systems we as humans have created. Through their works, the exhibition maps this collective paralysis, exposing the invisible rules and strategies that lure us into the system.

Here, Petra Cortright discusses her work, whether or not she plays by the rules, and the absurdity of the game.

Can you expand on the series of work you have included in the exhibition and how you think it relates to the concept of  Zugzwang?

this is a webcam video made in the fall of 2013, a one take non edited video running through 3 different softwares with the default effects layered and veiled to create bespoke effects. its dreamy and mysterious. there is a t shirt on my head that looks like a veil, like a bride. red and pink rose petals are falling.

Zugzwang, refers to a state of entrapment within the rules of a game. How do rules affect your process when working?

i love to know the rules, so i can break them.

The "damned if you do, damned if you don't" logic suggests an element of absurdity to the exhibition. Perhaps reality is not as black and white, but do you find any truth to this?

i am very interested in grey areas of life and try to avoid black and white thinking at all costs. in fact when i make my work i try to avoid thinking at all costs.