Gameplay: Video Game Culture

About

"Gameplay" journeys to the origins of video games, analyses their language and highlights the impact they have had on popular digital culture and on art and society. The exhibition is designed as a space for recreation and reflection where visitors can play and (re)discover video game culture.

Since their popularisation in the seventies and eighties, video games have developed as an expressive and entertainment medium and now occupy a central space in our imaginary to the point that, today, it is impossible to understand contemporary society and culture without relating them with video gaming.

"Gameplay" takes a look at the history of the medium, video game language, experimentation and artistic innovation, and critical and political video games.

The exhibition also raises the issue of the increasing gamification of society: from mobile games to YouTubers and electronic sports (esports) to so-called serious games, educational video games with applications that go beyond entertainment.

"Gameplay" features works by artists such as Mary Flanagan, Joan Leandre, Harun Farocki, Lawrence Lek, LaTurbo Avedon, Mónica Rikić and Blast Theory.

With 28 game points, from the first arcade and historic computer games to the new immersive options, "Gameplay" is devised as an exhibition where visitors can play and, at the same time, understand and enjoy video game culture from a critical viewpoint.

The show pays particular attention to Catalan production, especially pioneering works, recent indie creations and local artists, and university projects.

"Gameplay. Video Game Culture" is an extended adaptation of "Gameplay. The Next Level", designed by and first presented at the ZKM Center for Art and Media Karlsruhe.

Curators: Jérôme Nguyen, Óliver Pérez Latorre