Wild Bet revolved around gambling as a social and psychological phenomenon. Artist duo Gil & Moti took the viewer into a world of public gambling machines, seductive gambling halls, simple back rooms and illegal gambling, and into the promise of happiness that beckons there.
Gil & Moti saw a connection between the chance gamblers take for financial happiness and the gamble migrants take when they leave their homes in the hope of a better life. They delved into the gambling scenes of three different cities – Rio de Janeiro, Helsinki and Rotterdam. There they talked to migrants about their motives and their lives.
In a personal and disarming way, Gil & Moti unleashed compelling stories. About a lack of perspective, missing home and the sometimes hostile new environment. And about the parallel world of gambling as a way to escape from it. They processed these stories in theatrical installations, in which they played with the atmosphere and setting of the gambling scenes in the three cities. The abrasive reality was brought to a head by them with burlesque imitation, or softened with loving attention.
Rio de Janeiro
Wild Bet was preceded by three years of field research on location. In Rio de Janeiro, Gil & Moti followed the trail of the illegal gambling game 'Jogo de Bicho' (animal game), which is played everywhere on the streets. Here they made a film with Gustav, who acts as their gambling instructor and guide. He reveals to them the history of the game, shows them the harsh daily reality in the favelas, and talks about his dreams and worries.
Helsinki
In Helsinki, Gil & Moti saw how government-run slot machines can be found in every supermarket. The most beloved games mirror a folkloric fantasy land. The cheerful farmers and gold diggers of the slot machines contrast with the stories of the migrants Gil & Moti meet here.
Rotterdam
In Rotterdam, Gil & Moti encountered commercial gambling halls with a seductive aesthetic of gold and glitter, but also informal card tables in the back of brown cafés. They entered into an intimate collaboration with Shari, who came to the Netherlands 24 years ago. From many encounters, they created a layered image of a life on the edge of Dutch society. The sometimes suffocating experience of exclusion and loneliness is interrupted by small moments of happiness in the gambling hall.
With thanks to the Mondriaan Fund; Capacete, Rio de Janeiro; the Helsinki International Artist Programme (HIAP); and the O&O scheme of CBK Rotterdam. With thanks to all participants.