I Win You Lose

The Talking Sticks series consists of sculptures made from lettered children's building blocks that have been stacked to create words and short phrases. The title of the series refers to the speaker's staff used by many Aboriginal groups to signify who has the authority to speak dring a group discussion. Coupland's totemic forms proclaim words such as "Hostile bid," "Tombstone," and "Poison pill" that are incongruous with the blocks' cheerful colours and their playful, educational intent.

As a writer and visual artist, Coupland has often disregarded the traditional divide between these disciplines. Using letters, words and books as material and content for his art, Coupland harnesses the power of language in the visual realm.