Rodrigo Scopel x Fernanda Cassel x Mercurial Pearl, CONTROL LABORATORIES, 2025

Most things are outside of our control. Instead of welcoming this as a statement of freedom, it often evokes fear and frustration. As a society, we’ve developed beliefs that we need to regulate ourselves by force. Especially during the most distressful times.

But our emotions, though invisible, can be the hardest to manage. We’re inconsistent. Welcoming laughter while shoving down tears. We’re quick to neglect aspects of ourselves. Through distraction. Delusion.

To assist, we created Control Laboratories. The object that serves as the base for this installation is a 1960s Oscilloscope. Originally used for measuring and tracking electrical signals, we transformed this device into a metaphorical machine that allows the controller to manipulate their feelings and senses. Making tangible the desire for forced self-regulation.

With this apparatus from the imaginary “Control Laboratories”, the user can turn their spirits from low to high, dim their fear and speed up grieving days – among other adjustments we might wish to make when the world becomes a bit too overwhelming. Try it.

From a series of postcards featuring artworks from the group show “Your grief belongs to you, and it can be so so pretty“. The first UK exhibition produced by RITUAL VICE.

Each postcard measures 10 x 15 cm. The back of the postcard is plain white, with the exhibition branding, RITUAL VICE logo and artwork credit line printed in black.