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...