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R.K.D. Machine

12"W x 16"D x 18"H, 2000

Read the title as both "Arcade", as an arcade game, as in the Tom Hanks movie "Big", or at the Musee Mechanic at Ocean Beach, San Francisco. Also Arcadia, Poussin's idealized landscape. Arcade games are a blend of chance and skill‹sometimes rigged.

The player must navigate the different challenges, at any level, he may be disqualified. 1) Pay entry fee of 5 cents on side slot, with Yes or No outcome. 2) Choose horse in 5 cents red box. 3) Bet on races. 4) Pick lock of post box to retrieve silver ball. 5) Spin "Twist o' Fate" to learn what section to roll from. 6) Roll ball and try to hit Queen of Hearts or Jack of Hearts; your heart's desire.

The sculpture is of heavily varnished walnut, like the games of the 1920s, with blues and greens of a landscape. Note the Grecian urn and acanthus leaves, plus Classical molding. On the back, Girl Scouts, idealized womanhood in an idealized cityscape.