Multi Disciplinary Installation, 2021 - 2023
In the spring of 2022 Turner Contemporary presented Wayfinder, the artists first major UK exhibition. This exhibition further toured to MK Gallery in Milton Keynes, arriving at BALTIC in Gateshead as its final destination in 2023.
In each location, a Gaming Room was designed and created with carefully selected games which emulated the idea of travel through landscapes, as an example of the themes explored in Wayfinder.
Turner Contemporary showcased many of the video games that have influenced Achiampong’s work including; Ico, Journey, Inside, Legend of Zelda and Ori and the Blind Forest. The Gaming Room included playable consoles, workshop areas, and gaming soundtracks. Working with BAFTA Young Game Designers (BAFTA YGD), The Prince’s Trust (The Prince’s Trust) and Into Games (Into Games) the gallery presented a programme of events including game design workshops, and talks for families and schools, with the aim of inspiring people from every background to discover careers in the games industry.
The Gaming Room was created to demonstrate the link between many of the artists films and works, as a space for enjoyment and to inspire. Of these spaces Achiampong said;
'There are connections between the games in this room and the rest of the show. Those who are open to playing and exploring might see between the lines but ultimately, this is a communal space. A place to chill out, where hopefully you might make some friends or have a game with someone. It's a gesture to connect with others.'
Below is a selection of images from across the three sites.
Photos by Reece Straw
The Gaming Room, commissioned by Turner Contemporary with MK Gallery and Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art