Paintings inspired by old computers and computer games

I have been looking through some old image files recently and re-discovered a load of paintings and drawings, most of which I think are still in existence either rolled up in the corner of my studio (cellar) or stashed away in drawers and boxes.


Here is a series of paintings (which I think date from a few years either side of 2000) inspired by old computers and computer games. I have always enjoyed their visual appeal (probably more so than actually using or playing them) with their satisfying design, graphics, colours (and amazing sounds too!)  I wanted to capture these qualities on a larger scale (minus the sounds). I recall using a lot of masking tape too!


Computer games first...


Remember Pong and its variants...?

Nic Pehkonen, Tennis, c1999, Emulsion on canvas, approx 5' x 5'

Nic Pehkonen, 1 Player Squash, c1999, Emulsion on canvas, approx 5' x 5'

How about Tron? A scrolling game on the Intellivision. Quite hard to play too (Well it was for me).

Nic Pehkonen, Tron, c2000, Emulsion on canvas, approx 7' x 5'

And a number of paintings based on one of my favourite games, Berzerk.

Nic Pehkonen, Berzerk01, c1999, Emulsion on canvas, approx 7' x 5'

Nic Pehkonen, Berzerk02, c2001, Emulsion on canvas, approx 6' x 5'

Nic Pehkonen, Berzerk03, c2002, Emulsion on canvas, approx 5' x 4'

Nic Pehkonen, Berzerk04, c2002, Emulsion on canvas, approx 3' x 3'

And now for the computers starting with the Sinclair ZX80

Nic Pehkonen, ZX80, c1999, Emulsion on canvas, approx 6' x 5'

Now for the Apple llc

Nic Pehkonen, Apple llc, c2000, Emulsion on canvas, approx 6' x 6' 

And finally the Apple lle

Nic Pehkonen, Apple lle, c2000, Emulsion on canvas, approx 5' x 6'

Now some links for those who want to revisit more old computers and games...

http://www.old-computers.com/news/default.asp

http://www.pong-story.com/intro.htm

http://www.classicgamesarcade.com/

Game over...

Yorkshire Sculpture Park

On our way home from a largely internet free week in the Lake District we called in at one of my favourite stopping off places - The Yorkshire Sculpture Park near Wakefield. In addition to the permanent works situated in the grounds and parkland they have a program of long-running exhibitions in and around the main buildings and the outlying Longside Gallery. I especially love the three, semi-subterranean galleries built into the hillside as part of major redevelopment work in 2005. Not only do they fulfil their function as successful exhibition spaces but they look great architecturally too with their concrete beamed ceilings and glass frontage. 

Underground Galleries (exterior)

The current exhibition occupying these galleries is a survey of Joan Miró sculptures and prints. I have not seen very much of his work in the flesh and although I enjoyed the sculpture it was some of his large prints that made the biggest impression on me. Foolishly I forgot to make a note of the details of my favourite prints and as photography is not allowed in the galleries I have been trying to search online for images, relying purely on my already fading memory.

Joan Miró sculptures in one of the three underground galleries.

Two previous exhibitions I greatly enjoyed here were Andy Goldsworthy in 2007 and David Nash in 2010.