New York-based artist Risa Puno dug deep into her Filipino family heritage to create an interactive game based on communal care currently on show at the Fabric Workshop and Museum in Center City, writes Peter Crimmins for WHYY.

“Group Hug” is an interactive installation loosely inspired by the aesthetics of Barbie and Willy Wonka.

The entrance immediately offers visitors a choice: enter from the left to be “Cared For” or from the right to “Care For.” There is no need to worry that you will miss something, as the visitors will get to experience both before exiting.

“Care” people play a version of Whac-A-Mole, and the points they make — which are visible on a digital scoreboard — are used by “Cared” people who get to spend time inside large hexahedron pods filled with soft, plush leaves that recline back into the coconut and envelop them with soothing sounds.

Afterward, these roles are switched.

The installation is meant to be fun, and is based on the Filipino culture of kapwa, a social concept of communal sharing and care.

“I speak through the language of play, and for me Whac-a-Mole was the most appropriate game,” Puno said.

Read more about “Group Hug” and how its connected to Filipino heritage in WHYY.

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