DICTATOR'S LAUNDROMAT
BACKGROUND
BACKGROUND
Kleptocracy operates largely out of public view. Its mechanisms — shell companies, lobbying networks, financial intermediaries and reputation laundering are abstract, technical and difficult to communicate. The Dictator's Laundromat is an immersive installation created for the 2025 SXSW Festival, that exposes the hidden systems allowing authoritarian leaders to conceal, move, and legitimize stolen wealth
Kleptocracy operates largely out of public view. Its mechanisms — shell companies, lobbying networks, financial intermediaries and reputation laundering are abstract, technical and difficult to communicate. The Dictator's Laundromat is an immersive installation created for the 2025 SXSW Festival, that exposes the hidden systems allowing authoritarian leaders to conceal, move, and legitimize stolen wealth
CHALLENGE
CHALLENGE
The challenge was to transform a complex geopolitical issue into an experience that is immediate, accessible, and engaging in a crowded festival environment.
The challenge was to transform a complex geopolitical issue into an experience that is immediate, accessible, and engaging in a crowded festival environment.
SOLUTION
SOLUTION
Inspired by suburban laundromats, the activation uses an almost synthetic bubblegum palette to create tension between a sense of playfulness and the serious subject matter. Rather than presenting information as policy or advocacy, the installation translates complex financial networks into visual stories that reward exploration. The installation attracted record attendance and expanded visibility for the Combating Kleptocracy program, demonstrating the power of a creative concept to bring complex political issues to life.
Inspired by suburban laundromats, the activation uses an almost synthetic bubblegum palette to create tension between a sense of playfulness and the serious subject matter. Rather than presenting information as policy or advocacy, the installation translates complex financial networks into visual stories that reward exploration. The installation attracted record attendance and expanded visibility for the Combating Kleptocracy program, demonstrating the power of a creative concept to bring complex political issues to life.
ROLE
ROLE
Creative Director
Creative Director
Eric Hurtgen, Lucian French, Omar Al-fot, Sara Afidi
TEAM
TEAM
DESIGN LEAD
Eric Hurtgen
DESIGNER
Lucian French
VIDEO
Omar Al-fotihi
ANIMATOR
Sara Afridi
EXPERIENTIAL
IDENTITY SYSTEM
ANIMATION
