VIDEO: Video games as art, but not in a douchey way

Matt Hawkins Contributing Writer, Video Games

Artist draw from their surroundings and experiences, so if Van Gogh was around today, he’d probably be painting Super Mario fire flowers and stuff like that. Maybe.

Much has been said about video games as art, and much of the arguing is rather obnoxious. I personally feel video games can be art, but I can see why someone might feel otherwise, and given that it’s a medium that’s ultimately still in its infancy, I’m confident that all the doubters will feel different once enough time and territory has been covered.

And all the posturing from game academics is at times pathetic. Aside from coming off as people who love to smell their own farts (they love telling other game aficionados that video games are art, who clearly need zero convincing), its often indicative of rather selfish means. The popular defense for those who bring up the subject ad nauseam is “these questions need to be asked!”

Though now it’s coming off like “these questions need to be asked if I want to make sure I still get speaking invitations, along with all the perks that come with such stuff.” BUT ANYWAY, I’m more into artists that are inspired by gaming, which has become quite the trend as of late. Here’s just one, the Old School Video Game Art Show at Gallery 1988 in California…

… Much of it is pretty rad. For a closer look at everything, as well as to purchase a piece, simply hit the gallery’s homepage (which is down for the time being, for whatever reason).

The though the granddaddy of all gaming art throwdowns would have to be iam8bit. Which had another showing recently; here’s a bit from the opening night…

… Too bad there’s no central hub online to take a closer look at everything they had. You’ll have to wait for the official book, which is how they make all their money. Though I have pics from the first two shows on my blog here and here for those that are interested (hopefully my editor won’t mind the cheap plug for my site).

And at the very least, here’s a closer look at assorted Nintendo bad guys brought to life via fabric and Roombas that they had roaming around the gallery from this year…

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