Art and Video Games Collide: Highlights from the Super iam8bit Art Gallery


Currently on display on Sunset Blvd in Los Angeles is the annual iam8bit art gallery— an exhibit that combines works from local artists and love for '80s video game culture. The show was recently renamed to Super iam8bit, since this year's exhibit is bigger than those of previous tears and they've expanded the show space in a brand new venue. With over 200 works of art on display by over 100 artists, there's plenty to take in here.

After the jump are highlights from the exhibit.
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By 8 P.M. of the opening day, the place was packed to the brim with people from all walks of life. Consisting of gaming geeks to the urban art hipsters, a line that extended for two blocks formed outside of the exhibit just to get into the place.


Once inside however, is a crowded exhibit venue that is filled with just about everything– alcohol, colorful art displays, a red Koopa shell roaming around the show floor, a giant projection of someone playing Galaga, and even a working 6-foot tall, 200 pound Atari 2600 controller designed by artist Jason Torchinsky. The opening night also featured music from DJ R-Rated, musician Leeni and lyricist A Rival.





Ugh! Talk about creepy! Artist Darick Maasen constructed this “realistic” looking version of the para-Koopa by piecing together parts from various dead animals. As beautiful as it is, you can't help but be a little creeped out.
 


Ever wondered how some of the artwork in iam8bit is made? Some of the displays in the gallery were being worked right in front of spectators who were curious enough to watch artwork come to life.


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Most of the displays in the gallery were for sale. This painting of the battle between Link and Ganon, for example, sold for quite a pretty penny.



Super iam8bit will be open until September 10. Check out their site for additional information.

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