What if you walked into the Smithsonian American Art Museum and on display was … wait for it … video game art?
Well, wonder no more. That’s right, an exhibit called “The Art of Video Games” is already here—and will be at the Smithsonian through September when it takes off on its own national tour. Among the popular games getting attention for their visual flare are the likes of Pitfall, Earthworm Jim and Bioshock to name a few.
Frankly, I think it’s about time. I do a bit of doodling myself and I’m a gamer, so I’ve been thinking that the work that goes into games gets its proper due. Personally, I think it can be art—even if the game’s content and game play sometimes makes it art you should avoid.
Sometimes, playing a game can feel a little like walking through an art gallery. I just recently played through the Sony PlayStation download exclusive title Journey, and the best I can describe the experience is that it’s like interacting in a piece of fine art. No slick realistic CGI, just stunning visuals that really could be framed. The music only adds to the calming experience.
They say that art is in the eye of the beholder, and maybe that’s even true for funny little animated men named Mario. What do you think? Should a picture of he and Luigi be hanging next to John Singer Sargent’s Madame X ?
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