Exhibition blends arcade games, Māori design
Contemporary design and cultural storytelling come together in a unique exhibition now open at Tūhura Otago Museum.
"Arca Arcade: Round One" is a display of fully playable retro gaming machines created by designer Preston McNeil, of Wellington.
Mr McNeil said he wanted to create something that honoured both the history of arcade gaming and the richness of contemporary Aotearoa art.
"These machines are a love letter to every kid who dropped their last 20 cents into a game they knew they could not win, but tried anyway.
"Blending those memories with the depth and craft of Māori design has created something I never imagined I would be able to build."
"Arca Arcade" integrates te ao Māori, whakairo (carving) and worked pounamu with classic video game culture.
The machines are adorned with original artwork from contemporary artists including Gina Kiel, Flox, Otis Frizzell, Joe Sheehan and Otis Chamberlain.
Visitors to the exhibition are encouraged to play the games housed inside each uniquely designed cabinet.
Tūhura Otago Museum pasifika engagement co-ordinator Leota Meredith said playing the games brought back memories.
"Back in my prime, we used to call these games 'choice'. It was all about challenging your mates.
"You would only find them at the local dairy and playing felt like a special occasion."
Players once had to pay 20 cents, which was a significant amount then, so every game mattered.
"It's great to play them again; it brings back so many memories. And having them free now? Even better."
Tūhura Otago Museum head of exhibitions and design Craig Scott said Dunedin was already a hub for digital innovation and home to creative gaming talent.
"We are proud to partner with Code, the Centre of Digital Excellence, to present this exhibition and show young people what is possible when design, technology and culture collide.
"This is about inspiring as much as it is fun nostalgia."
• "Arca Arcade: Round One" runs until September 21 in the Beautiful Science Gallery.
sam.henderson@thestar.co.nz
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