My new solo exhibition LVL_GRNDR opens this week at Packer Schopf Gallery (Chicago).  Exhibition runs from May 24-July 6, 2013 with an opening reception on Friday, May 24 from 5-8pm.  Check out some of the work below!

Kill Screen for a Theoretical Videogame C-print, 30″x30″ (2013)

Kill Screen for a Theoretical Videogame C-print, 30″x30″ (2013)

LTPYC (or learn to play your class) Kryzzik, a Goblin Mage Three color screenprint paper sculpture of my World of Warcraft character Kryzzik, 36″x40″x28″ (2013)

Installation view, LVL_GRNDR, Packer Schopf Gallery (Chicago)

Side Scroller for a Theoretical Videogame C-print, 10″x40″ (2013)

Side Scroller for a Theoretical Videogame C-print, 10″x40″ (2013)

Installation view, LVL_GRNDR, Packer Schopf Gallery (Chicago)

The Secret Island of Madness, Screenprint and acrylic on paper, PLA plastic terrain sculpture, 16″x20″ (2013)

The Secret Island of Madness, detail of PLA plastic terrain model, built in BRYCE and fabbed with the Makerbot 3D printer, 16″x20″ (2013)

Goblin Forest, detail of PLA plastic terrain model, built in BRYCE and fabbed with the Makerbot 3D printer, 16″x20″ (2013)

LVL_GRNDR, original paperback book, a 350 D&D style RPG game, 6″x9″ (2013)

Kill Screen for a Theoretical Videogame, C-print, 30″x30″ (2013)

During the reception for “The Almost Metal Collective” exhibition at A+D Gallery in Chicago (Thursday, 1/31), I did a performance recreating the process of videogame-based farming and leveling up in meat-space.

Generally, farming in videogames is the practice of acquiring/accumulating special items (like the gems I fabricated during my performance) in order to become stronger or gain intelligence/spirit/life or reveal secrets about the game storyline. In this performance, I “farmed” gems through the repetitive process of cutting, folding, and hotgluing paper patterns together. Then I played a variety of 8-bit game sound effects for every few gems I created, indicating that I had leveled up!

I also leveled up when I had conversations with strangers, gave hugs to friends, and gave gems away.

I’m exhibiting a new series of works collectively titled “Kill Screen” through March, 2013 as a part of the Department of Art Faculty exhibition.  Reception is Friday, February 8th from 5-7pm…come check it out!

I’m in a group exhibition this month titled Almost Metal at A+D Gallery, Columbia College (Chicago, IL).  The exhibition runs from January 10-February 16, 2013.  I’ll be doing a performance during the artists’ reception on Jan. 31st…stay tuned for more details!

Images below:  Respawn a site specific installation.  5 “dead” versions of my WoW character Kryzzik are scattered in the Interactive Arts + Media building, Columbia College (Chicago, IL), 5 versions “respawned” in A+D Gallery as a part of Almost Metal.

Images below:  Kill screen for a theoretical video game….   Digital prints mounted to plastic. (left-40″ x 40″; right- 10″x10″ each). 2013.

“Respawn”–part one of a site-specific installation at A+D Gallery in Chicago.  Screenprint on paper sculptures of my WoW character Kryzzik (a Mage Goblin). 2012.