G1988 "Multiplayer" Exhibition Proves that Games Can Be Art

One of the biggest video game related debates of the last few years has been whether video games can be seen as art, joining painting, sculpture and movies, or whether they will forever be relegated to just provide temporary diversions to escapism addicted young people.

The “Multiplayer” show at the G1988 location in Venice, California shows that video games can definitely be art.

The exhibition showcases video games in a mediated form, through the works of some artists that have used them as inspiration for pieces that are now presented at one of the most prestigious venues in North America.

The “Multiplayer” exhibition runs until February 4, open from Wednesday to Sunday between 11 and 6.

The description of the Gallery 1988 says that it “has become the nation's number one destination for pop-culture themed artwork and the premiere venue to witness the rise of emerging artists before they break”.

The official site adds that the G1988 “has also created unprecedented partnerships with corporations like The Walt Disney Company, Capcom and Mattel to produce art shows inspired by their products and history”.

Some of the pieces offered are clearly inspired by well known video games brands like Mario, Resident Evil or Prince of Persia,

Other are not so direct and take a more roundabout approach, seemingly trying to show the essence of the gaming experience and the feelings that it can elicit in the player.

It's easy to take a look at all the posters that are on sale from the “Multiplayer” exhibition by going to this section of the official site.

At the moment a lot of them are sold out and it's not clear whether the artists will be offering more in the near term, but there are still works that can be purchased in poster form, for prices that start at 25 dollars and climb towards 50 in some cases.