We always love it when artists use RPS as a theme for exploration. Probably because for those that really understand what competitive RPS is about will understand that the World RPS Championships concept is probably equal parts: living breathing art installation as well as a sporting event. 

So it is great to see that Scottish artist Alec Finlay  is currently creating a series of art projects on the theme of RPS. These include a neon, currently being existed in the exhibition 'thoughts within thoughts' at ARC gallery (Sofia, Bulgaria). The neon versions of the traditional hand symbols flash on-and-off in a never ending game. Finlay has also produced a series of prints, using specially made RPS rubber stamps, in which he plays the game with every visitor to his studio. Here, though the symbols represent oppositions in conflict they also appear as a beautiful interpenetration of line over line, a single image.

This RPS project is ongoing and represent Finlay's interest in play and systemicity – for instance, he has also created poems as word-puzzles and a number of art projects based on cryptic crosswords. He comments:

'One of the interesting things about using the RPS rubber stamps is that they can run counter to the competitive aspect of RPS, as usually when we play we choose our rubber stamp randomly, so rather than getting the 'hit' of throwing in competition, what you get instead is a quieter thrill, as one outline symbol appears stamped over the other, is caught within the other.'

Proving that not only does Norway have gobs of offshore oil, but it also has mobs of RPS players all throughout the country and region. So much so that the Sami community ( ie: Lapplanders) are staging their first RPS event on July 12th in Gammalkroa, Bjerka, Norway. 

Tickets are 50 Nor. Kroner and spectators are 30 Kroner.

Event starts at 1:30pm (or 13:30 for you Europeans)

You can read more about the sami people here

The 3rd Annual 2008 ‘NZ Rock Paper Scissors Championships ’ (NZRPSC) Regional Qualifying Rounds begin in May with the NZ Qualifying Round & NZ National Final TAKING PLACE ON Friday 13th of June at the ‘Vesbar’, AUT, Auckland.

Please see 2008 competition & venue details below.  

Along with a wealth of fame and admiration from RPS peers, some great prizes are up for grabs including trips to the NZ National Final for regional champs, &, a trip to the Gold Coast for the NZ champ along with the chance to secure the major prize of an overseas Trip for one to Toronto, Canada to attend and compete in the 7th annual 2008 World RPS Championships & vie for the title & the CAN$10,000.00 prize pool.

NZRPSC competition entry is free, unless charity fundraiser, and registration will be accepted on the day/night of competition.  Players are encouraged to enter a team, themed if desired, or just fly solo.  

2007 Christchurch & NZ National Champ ‘Cameron Blair’ aka ‘Cam’ aka ‘The Baby Faced, put his best hand forward at the World Champs managing a place in the top 16.

NZRPSC competition rules are governed, maintained and approved by the World RPS Society (WRPSS) under the guidance and authority of the World RPS Steering Committee.  

For full 2008 NZRPSC details & other essential RPS info, please visit: www.rpsnewzealand.com
    
Thank you for your time.  Kool Hanz Luke - NZRPSC Coordinator.  CELL#0061 417 706537

List of cities and dates available here