Glass Ceiling

‘Glass Ceiling’ Chess Set Installation for Purling London

On exhibit in 2018 at The World Chess Hall of Fame, St. Louis, US.

Raychev’s ‘Glass Ceiling’ art chess installation is a commentary on the recent turbulent climate regarding exposure of sexual assaults, inequalities and suppression still so predominant, especially at the work place. Raychev’s personal experience sparked the inspiration for this art piece that she can so closely relate to. The ‘Glass Ceiling’ installation is a metaphor for women breaking through the social barriers and limitation, and a celebration of new feminist movements such as #metoo and #timesup.. ‘Glass Ceiling’ shows that the passion and spirit for change is in it’s glory. It also acknowledges that a lot of blood had to be spilled to get to this stage. It reflects on the fragility of human nature, rawness of the subject and the brutal reality of what one is talking about.

The piece consists of a broken glass chess board with the chess pieces floating through/ above the board. Pink pieces represent women, and face the white spiked pieces- referencing white supremacy. The chess pieces are set according to 2012 Magnus Carlsen vs Judith Polgar game. Polgar is a chess grandmaster, generally considered the strongest female chess player of all time. The game is set in the 30th move that determined Polgar’s victory.