Round One | Arca Arcade | Fresh Gallery
Arca Arcade is a convergence of nostalgic technology and contemporary artistic sensibilities. Under the meticulous direction of designer Preston Khan McNeil, playable arcade machines take on a transformative role as wall mounted installations, that are adorned by te ao Māori influences and styles of Aotearoa New Zealand's eminent artists.
This collection stands as a poignant homage to the enduring allure and cultural significance of arcade gaming. Don't mistake Arca Arcade for just a throwback to yesteryear, this modern take on arcade cabinet design becomes a canvas to explore the intertwining of inspiration and fabrication, to create the unexpected.
McNeil's multifaceted expertise—forged by a longstanding passion for arcade gaming, a curiosity for arcade machine tinkering, and a seasoned background in digital design—forms the bedrock of this ambitious venture. By collaborating with talents; Gina Kiel, Flox, Otis Frizzell, Joe Sheehan, and Otis Chamberlain, Arca Arcade “Round One” emits a distinctive flavour that is uniquely Aotearoa New Zealand.
At its core, Arca Arcade aims to navigate the intersection of nostalgia, contemporary design principles, and artistic expression. Through this interdisciplinary approach, the project seeks to offer viewers an engaging gallery experience that transcends traditional boundaries, inviting them to reconsider the role of arcade cabinets within the context of modern art.
Arca Arcade "Round One" has play extended to 31 August at Fresh Gallery Ōtara.