Multiplayer illustration

New exhibition Multiplayer is celebrating the rich visual language of computer gaming, showing that there’s a lot more to it than pixels and neons.

MiddleBoop
MiddleBoop

The works in the show are from illustration agency JSR, and illustrators featured include Allan Deas, Benji Charnock, Carla Lucena, Lydia Shireff, Marguerite Sauvage, MiddleBoop, Raid 71, Shaun Mills and Simon Wild.

Gordon Reid, aka Middle Boop, says, ‘I would certainly say the use of colour in contemporary illustration has a lot to thank retro video games and its packaging for.

‘Also in terms of style, some of the major [illustration] players have built their careers on video games styles.’

Allan Deas, Fairground
Allan Deas, Fairground

All manner of gaming-related imagery will be on show in pen and ink, screen-printing and 3D, with blueprint drawings, diagrams and patterns alongside the aforementioned pixel-based works and 1980s neon flashes.

Raid 71 (less rebelliously known as Chris Thornley) has created this piece, a dystopian take on the London skyline:

Raid 71 (Chris Thornley)
Raid 71 (Chris Thornley)

Carla Lucena, meanwhile, has based her images on the 1990s graphic adventure game series Monkey Island: 

 Carla Lucena
Carla Lucena

Scottish illustrator Allan Deas looked to Tetris for inspiration for his bold surreal works, adding more than a little character to the compulsive little puzzle:

Allan Deas, Tetris
Allan Deas, Tetris

Reid, aka, Middle Boop will be showing a number of works at the exhibitions, inspired, he says, by early 90s video games like Starfox and Street Fighter.

MiddleBoop
MiddleBoop

Reid says, ‘the vibrant colours in the games themselves, geometric shapes and sound from tons of games are so iconic and I can definitely see links in my work with that era. ‘

The works are a continuation of his explorations into collaging geometric vectors and colour, focusing on ‘video games and consoles as a whole’, rather than any particular game, he says.

St Paul's invader by Raid 71 (Chris Thornley)
St Paul’s invader by Raid 71 (Chris Thornley)

Multiplayer runs from 21 – 27 October at The Gallery, 50 Redchurch Street, London E2

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