Space Invaders: Art and the Computer Game Environment
18 December 2009 to 21 February 2010

AS 2009 draws to a close and 2010 begins FACT explores the increasingly blurred boundaries between videogame spaces and real spaces with artists who use games as a subject, alongside playable, commercial games that push the limits of the medium. The event is Gallery 1 & 2, Media Lounge, Public Spaces and online. As Part of a season of gaming at FACT, "Space Invaders: Art and the Computer Game Environment" is a group exhibition exploring the increasingly blurred boundaries between videogame spaces and real spaces. From the detailed, complex worlds of Grand Theft Auto to zen gaming and augmented reality, the exhibition brings together world renowned new media artists and innovative games designers who are pushing the limits of the medium.

Mark Essen (USA), a rising star of video game art, will develop a brand new commission for FACT. Essen’s brutal, lo-fi video games earned him a place as the youngest of the 50 artists in the New Museum’s “The Generational: Younger Than Jesus,” the international exhibition exclusively showcasing the work of artists 33 and under. Essen’s flat, low resolution work breaks open the conventional mechanics and aesthetics of gaming by distilling them down to their most basic elements.

A major highlight of the exhibition is a work-in-progress from internationally renowned media art figure Bill Viola (USA). Viola, who was instrumental in the establishment of video as a vital form of contemporary art, will showcase his first foray into the gaming format. An experimental, so-called ‘slow’ videogame, The Night Journey draws on Viola’s ongoing interest in spirituality, as the player moves through a poetic landscape using choices and actions to affect their enlightenment. The game is being developed with video game technologies, but attempts to stretch the boundaries of what game experiences may communicate with its unique visual design, content and mechanics.

Riley Harmon’s (USA) sculpture What It Is Without the Hand That Wields (2008) offers a dynamic take on the shoot‘em up game. Hooked up to a modified version of the popular online first person shooter game Counterstrike, the sculpture responds to the player’s online deaths by dispensing a small amount of fake blood from valves down the wall, creating a compelling physical manifestation of virtual kills.

Amagatana (2009) by Japanese artist Yuichiro Katsumoto takes augmented reality to new levels by turning the everyday object of an umbrella and turning it into a samurai sword. As the player swings the umbrella a sensor measures the force and creates the sound of a sword hitting an imaginary blade, turning jousting into an endlessly entertaining form of independent game play. Meanwhile, artist-gamers Blast Theory (UK) bring computer gaming outdoors with Rider Spoke, a giant augmented reality game of hide and seek played out on bicycles.

Cao Fei, one of China’s most acclaimed young artists, presents film installation COSplayers (2004). COSPlay, short for ‘Costume Play’ captures this growing trend in Asian countries of bringing virtual battles to life. Set in the artist’s hometown of Guangzhou, the video follows a group of teenagers who act out an elaborate drama dressed in martial arts from their favourite computer games and animations.

Swedish artist Michael Johansson’s Tetris (2007) sculpture evokes a condition felt by obsessive gamers known as Tetris syndrome, where players begin to see the world around them as falling Tetris blocks. Blurring the limits between ‘real space’ and ‘game space’, Johansson’s piece encourages the viewer to ask questions about the influence video games play on our spatial memory.

In Ubermorgen’s Chinese Gold project (2006), a series of photographs chronicling the lives of Chinese ‘Gold Farmers’ who work long hours to produce in house currency, characters and equipment that are then sold to American and European gamers via Ebay.

Meanwhile, FACT’s Media Lounge becomes a magical, interactive environment where participants can experience the CuteXdoom world of Australian artist Anita Fontaine.

The exhibition also brings together playable commercial games from the high definition ‘zen’ game Flower to Grand Theft Auto. In public spaces, there will be retro games cabinets and a giant Nintendo controller to play thanks to Jonathan Thompson (JT).

Dickensian Day 2009, Formby Village - The Line Up - what will happen and when...

ALL the fun of the fair is set to return to Formby, on Saturday, 5 December 2009, between 10am to 4pm. Once again the village is due to resound with merry festivities as the annual Dickensian Day events return. Folks are expected to throng in to enjoy the many attractions both new and familiar: Bands, choirs and mechanical organ, actors and dancers, Santa’s grotto, fairground rides, miniature trains and numerous other entertainments. Along side will be many stalls with a wide range of goodies, many being run by Charities seeking to raise much- needed funds. Seek solutions to your present quandaries and help others at the same time; it can’t be bad! Maybe, support the local shops at the same time. Food and drinks will be available in the fair and in surrounding establishments, so no-one need starve! This year also, on the swimming pool site, there will be a new feature, namely an ice rink for all to explore. Recapture old skills or learn a new one? The Mayor and Mayoress of Sefton will lead the themed Parade through the village at 2pm. Do take this opportunity to enjoy one of the highlights of Christmas on Merseyside. There is much for everyone of any age.

ENTERTAINMENT

MARQUEE EVENTS

10.15-11.00 Rumpole’s Magic Show
11.15-11.45 The Lyric Singers
12.00-12.30 Crosby Gilbert & Sullivan Society
12.45-1.15 Maghull Musical Theatre Company
1.30-2.00 Birkdale Orpheus Society
2.30-3.00 Ricardo’s Punch & Judy Show
3.00-3.30 A Star School of Dance
STREET ENTERTAINERS
Argameols Clog Dancers
Southport Swords
JJ The Clown
One Man Band
Fiery Jack
Warriner Stroud’s Barrel Organ
Formby Gems Morris Dancers
Dickensian Stilt Walkers
Snow Cat

BRASS BANDS

Formby Brass Band
Bootle Concertina Band (Marching)
Marshside Brass Band
Red Rose Brass Band (Marching)

ATTRACTIONS

Synthetic Ice Rink (Courtesy of Vitrathene)
Climbing Wall
Fairground
Miniature Steam Train
Rodeo Reindeer
Visage Design Face Painting
Father Christmas Grotto
Spencer the Caricaturist