Exploring Literary Dimensions of Games at YUGEN Gallery's 'Literature in Dots'
YUGEN Gallery in Omotesando, Tokyo, is set to host an intriguing exhibition titled
'Literature in Dots', running from
May 16 to June 1, 2025. This event marks a collaborative effort with SOUYA HANDA PROJECTS, aiming to delve into the literary qualities inherent in video games through the lens of contemporary art.
The emergence of video games and their move towards online platforms has shifted the way players communicate, with real-time interactions via voice chat becoming standard. However, cherished gaming experiences of the past included dialogues, emotional exchanges, and narratives that transcended mere entertainment. 'Literature in Dots' seeks to rekindle this literary richness present in gaming culture by showcasing the works of four talented artists.
Sosuke Ueta prominently represents printmaking and has consistently explored themes centered around maps and electronic circuits. His presentations in the exhibition will juxtapose the pixelated map representations common in games with the perspective tricks and reductionism found in traditional Japanese art. This approach serves as a bridge connecting the realms of gaming and reality, offering viewers a fresh perspective on both worlds.
Chiaki Kainuma employs vibrant collage techniques to critique societal structures, overlaying gaming User Interfaces (UI) and texts onto contemporary political and economic images. Her pieces in the exhibition reinterpret elements like the U.S. presidential election's power dynamics and stock market charts as playful interactive games. Through a 'Game Over' motif, she humorously critiques the chaotic state of current society, bringing a unique vision to the exhibition.
Adam Martin, who operates out of New York, intertwines personal experiences with fictional narratives in the format of visual novels. His work draws inspiration from the narrative style of 1990s and 2000s visual novels, crafting exhibits that traverse the boundaries between gaming and art. The blends of autobiographical elements and interactive storytelling illuminate his creative process, prompting viewers to engage on an emotional level.
Lastly, the exhibition’s curator,
Souya Handa, brings attention to the technological underpinnings of gaming, particularly focusing on hardware like GPU. As the costs of graphics processing have surged due to applications in AI and cryptocurrency, Handa's artworks challenge observers to consider the interconnectedness of virtual gaming experiences and real-world economic implications.
The exhibition is not only a reflection of artistic practice but also a commentary on the cultural significance of video games as a medium that immerses individuals in fictional worlds while reflecting the nuances of real-life social dynamics. Participating artists confront the dialogue around the literary potential of gaming, reinterpreting it to spawn novel modes of expression.
The opening reception for 'Literature in Dots' is scheduled for
May 16, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. This event will provide an excellent opportunity for art lovers and gaming enthusiasts alike to gather, converse, and experience the exhibition firsthand.
For further details, visit
YUGEN Gallery's official website.
Exhibition Overview:
- - Title: Literature in Dots
- - Dates: May 16 - June 1, 2025
- - Hours: Mon - Fri 1:00 PM - 7:00 PM / Sat, Sun & Holidays 1:00 PM - 8:00 PM (opening reception on the first day until 8:00 PM; final day ends at 5:00 PM)
- - Location: YUGEN Gallery, 3-1-31 Minami Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo
- - Admission: Free
- - Exhibiting Artists: Adam Martin, Sosuke Ueta, Chiaki Kainuma, Souya Handa
- - Curator: Souya Handa
- - Opening Reception: May 16, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
- - Notable Artists' Presence: Ueta, Kainuma, and Handa will be present on the opening day.