Open World: Video Games and Contemporary Art

Millions of people play video games every day, including visual artists, yet they are rarely examined as a major influence on contemporary art, though they offer rich opportunities for creative expression. Published for an exhibition at Akron Art Museum, Open World presents a survey of artworks influenced by video games and gaming culture. Artworks include paintings, sculptures, textiles, prints, drawings, animation, video games, video game modifications and game-based performances and interventions by game maker–artists. Artists such as Tim Portlock, Angela Washko, Cory Arcangel, Feng Mengbo, Rachel Rossin and Bill Viola reference a cross-section of games in their artwork, ranging from early text adventure and arcade games to multi-player online roleplaying games. Many of their works are inspired by some of the most beloved and recognizable video game franchises, including Super Mario Brothers, The Legend of Zelda, The Sims and Final Fantasy.