Joystiq is there: "I Am 8-Bit" opening party
by Kevin Kelly 
{ Apr 18th 2007 at 8:01PM }
All we can say is, thank god they let press in a bit early, because once the exhibit opened up, you couldn't move inside. Even breathing was a chore, not to mention the heat of a thousand bodies crammed into a tiny place -- and we're pretty sure some of those bodies had never heard of hygiene.
But we digress, what was really awesome here was all the art on display. Over 200 pieces, all new for this show. Some of it was pimped out at GDC, but the several artists we spoke to said that almost everyone works down to the wire to get their pieces done in time. The work was worth it in our opinion. There was an abundance of Mario and Pac-Man themed artwork, but we were happy to see a Dragon's Lair piece, a series of Punch-Out portraits of all the fighters in the game, and even a version of the Last Supper with gaming characters. The giant Atari 2600 Joystick was quite a hit, and we rocked some Pitfall on it. Cool stuff.
Check out our "I Am 8-Bit" gallery below, and after the jump for some video goodness from the show.
But we digress, what was really awesome here was all the art on display. Over 200 pieces, all new for this show. Some of it was pimped out at GDC, but the several artists we spoke to said that almost everyone works down to the wire to get their pieces done in time. The work was worth it in our opinion. There was an abundance of Mario and Pac-Man themed artwork, but we were happy to see a Dragon's Lair piece, a series of Punch-Out portraits of all the fighters in the game, and even a version of the Last Supper with gaming characters. The giant Atari 2600 Joystick was quite a hit, and we rocked some Pitfall on it. Cool stuff.
Check out our "I Am 8-Bit" gallery below, and after the jump for some video goodness from the show.
Gallery: I Am 8-Bit Exhibit
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Rubang B @ Apr 18th 2007 8:12PM
Awesome! Thanks for all these pics. I thought they'd all be in the book and didn't realize until I was buying it on my way out that the book only covered the last 2 years. It has some amazing stuff in it, but I really wanted to show my friends the Last Supper piece. As soon as I get home from work I'm uploading a picture of me dressed as a Goomba hugging the giant Atari controller!
One of my favorites wasn't on the wall or in the book, but it was for sale in a bin by the counter. It showed 2 kids in bean bag chairs playing their NES, while behind them their dad was walking away ready to cry and throw out his Atari.
Ken Seang @ Apr 18th 2007 8:20PM
Sweet pics guys!
zenprism @ Apr 18th 2007 8:33PM
I was there! I was there!
It was a great show. My boss even bought that awesome purple Castlevania piece. I told him to leave it to me in his will.
Diskoboy @ Apr 18th 2007 9:07PM
I want every single one of those Punch Out characatures.
hvnlysoldr @ Apr 18th 2007 9:18PM
A golden power glove! Hi-Technicooooooool!
Rubang B @ Apr 18th 2007 9:43PM
Here's me, dressed as a goomba, hugging the giant Atari 2600 joystick. SHAZAM!
http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/7449/rubangsgiantjoystickod8.jpg
Bobby S. @ Apr 18th 2007 10:33PM
Hey I went last night as well!
You can check out my pictures at:
http://kitsunenoir.com/blog/2007/04/18/i-am-8-bit-photos/
NeoSkye @ Apr 19th 2007 3:34AM
"but the several artists we spoke too said"
Can anyone spot the typo in this quote? hehe, I point because I care guys!
pfunkx0r @ Apr 19th 2007 7:52AM
Rubang, it sounds like you're referring to Brandon Bird's "No One Wants to Play Sega with Harrison Ford ."
http://www.brandonbird.com/sega_ford.html
Jack @ Apr 19th 2007 11:29AM
Why the hell did this the front page of I am 8bit fail to say that the opening night was for people over the age of 21? Was this something everyone new? I waited toward the front of that line for an hour only to be turned away. I was crushed. I'm sure my woes are certainly laughable to everyone but it sucked ass for me. I thought "free to all" meant free to all.
Rubang B @ Apr 19th 2007 4:32PM
Yes, that's it! I am both grateful for your link and humiliated that I recognized neither the system nor the Ford. The gun should've made it obvious. I am a loser. I'm totally buying that print though, 8.5" by 22" for $12. It's getting framed. Thanks!
@Jack, damn that sucks, I'm sorry. I thought they were only carding everybody for wristbands for access to the bar. There was no reason to not let you in, considering the bar was behind the building and you could only get in with a wristband. I guess they were just too lazy to have 2 wristbands so they kicked people out and lost money. I blame Capcom. Their name was all over the wristband, and the Mega Man 2600 game wasn't even done in time for the giant joystick.
Jack @ Apr 19th 2007 6:59PM
@Rubang
You're not going to believe this. Just as I saw your comment I was going to reply to you to give thank to your comment. But before I replyed I check my email. It turns out opening night was NOT a 21 and over event. So I guess I'll be seeing it this weekend!
AND the email also said they'd be sending me an iam8bit surprise in the mail!