Multi Disciplinary Installation, 2021 - Ongoing
The Gaming Room is an ongoing conceptual framework based on Larry Achiampong's ever growing personal archive of gaming media that stretches beyond the last four decades, including (but not limited to) hardware, software, books, music, film and more.
With gaming playing a crucial role in the artist's approach to inspiration, creativity and world building, The Gaming Room forms a safe, welcoming space for all which encourages resistance to the formal approaches of research and education, through play.
In the spring of 2022 Turner Contemporary presented Wayfinder, the Achiampong's 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 version of The Gaming Room was designed and created with a curated selection of games, each referencing ideas of travel through the landscape and temporal realities, as an example of some of the themes explored in the show's main commission (and Achiampong's debut BAFTA nominated feature film) Wayfinder. The Gaming Room included, books, workshopping areas, Achiampong's Video_Mixtape and playable consoles including the following titles; The Legend of Zelda, Metroid Prime, Journey and Ori and the Blind Forest. Collaborating with partners such as Canterbury Christ Church University and Sony Interactive Entertainment, Achiampong presented a programme of events including game design workshops, and talks for groups, families and schools, with the aim of inspiring people from all backgrounds to explore the global, cultural phenomenon.
At Larry Achiampong's studio The Gaming Room continues to demonstrate the link between the artist's films and his practice in general, as a space for enjoyment and enriching inspiration.
Of the presentation during the Wayfinder touring show Achiampong reflected;
'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.'
Photos by Reece Straw
The Gaming Room, commissioned by Turner Contemporary with MK Gallery and Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art