Smithsonian Exhibit Explores 'The Art of Video Games' (VIDEO)

Video games have vastly evolved since their introduction nearly 40 years ago. Some, including the Smithsonian American Art Museum, would argue that this creative evolution gives video games the honor of being an art form. From March 16 through September 30, an exhibition titled "The Art of Video Games" will be on view at the museum, Smithsonian Magazine reports.

Guest curator of the exhibit Chris Melissinos explains in a video about the exhibition that there are three voices in the artistic realm of video games; the designer, the game itself and the player. He argues that the true artistic form is the player -- that their personal experiences build into the game play, creating an original piece of art every time they touch the control.

The exhibit celebrates all forms of video game artistry (which is protected under the First Amendment); from 8-bit "Super Mario Brothers" to the most recent installment in the virtual world, "Flower." The sublime, 3D nature experience is the brainchild of video game artist and designer Jenova Chen. Flower, along with a handful of other games will be on display at the exhibit.

Watch Melissinos explain more about "The Art of Video Games:"

Comments

[Charlotte Bonnie]

03:37 AM on 02/25/2012

Of course video games are art! Lots of drawings, illustrations, artistic creations, music and voice acting etc. go into the making of games. I actually downloaded many soundtracks specifically made for games and listen to them. They hire art directors for a reason. Video games are my favorite kind of art and the Assassin's Creed is pure masterpiece. ;)

[Nick SketchCat Wilson]

11:15 AM on 02/24/2012

I'm reminded of a Picasso quote; “We artists are indestructible; even in a prison, or in a concentration camp, I would be almighty in my own world of art, even if I had to paint my pictures with my wet tongue on the dusty floor of my cell.”

[MichaelFroemel]

06:38 AM on 02/24/2012

Think about movies. Some are art, some are pure entertainment, some are trash. It's the same with video games.

[AC Jefferies]

01:14 PM on 02/23/2012

Of course video games are an art form! Some of the story telling elements from many games such as the Mass Effect Series, The Elder Scrolls, Halo, and many others provide such a deep, integrative experience for the player that they never want to leave that sublime world. I've been a gamer since I was 7 (12 years now), and I find myself getting more involved as the years pass. Some video games function more as interactive movies (a strong art form), so why not consider video games to be art?

[eric14]

03:15 PM on 02/23/2012

You make the case 100%. Video games are a art and they contain many forms of art in them. Some of the linking of music with imagery is amazing.