Design Media Arts Professor Eddo Stern and recent DMA graduate and lecturer Noa Kaplan recently had their work exhibited in the lobby room of the Hammer Museum, titled “Game Room.” As a friend of Noa’s and recent student of Professor Stern’s, I could not wait to see the show.
To give some background, during Spring of 2012 I took a gaming class with Professor Stern, where we studied both game theory and the types of design that enhanced good game theory. Over the course of the class we created three analog games with his assistance, and during this time I was really able to appreciate game design as a combination of many disciplines. It requires the designer to think about the interaction of a wide variety of players with the game pieces and the concept of the game. The process involves intense thought and consideration for many, many different variables and for this reason, I have much more respect for game design as a practice.
As Daily Bruin writer, Sebastian Torrelio explains, the exhibition, unlike many art exhibitions, invites the viewer to engage in an experience with other viewers. When people traditionally think of art galleries, there is seldom the idea that one will be touching and playing with the artist’s piece. However, this is one extremely unique and interesting difference with the exhibition of games.
Eddo’s game, titled “Money Making Workshop” involves many interactive events where players bargain with each other in order to, well, make money. The hand (depicted below) was one of several that involve gestures that represent actions in the game. The dome shape in the middle is the shape of a crown, suggestive of the dynamic that will go on in the game.
While the exhibition was extremely welcoming, the players who previously used the game left it extremely messy and so it was difficult to get a new one started with all the pieces in the wrong places. I was still able to take a look at the game manual and instructions, and am hopefully to play it in another setting.
Professor Eddo Stern’s Game, “Money Making Workshop.”
Me at the event holding the Kolaidascopic brochure.
I really think that these types of exhibitions are refreshingly unique and offer a very unique “gallery” experience to the user. It goes without saying that the installations were a hugely successful integration of art and technology–regarding the way the games were conceptualized and created, and I think both of them are stunning examples of it.
I urge everyone to take a look at the exhibition if they are passing by or going to be at the Hammer for another show!
References:
1. Torrelio, Sebastian. “Game Room Exhibition Encourages Interaction.” http://www.dailybruin.com/article/2012/12/game-room-exhibit-at-hammer-museum-encourages-interaction
2. http://hammer.ucla.edu/calendar/detail/type/exhibition/id/229
