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Mazes and Maps
An Exhibition Inspired by Digital and Analog Gaming
Opens In-Person and Online 5/29
(Hyattsville, MD) For many of those who sheltered in isolation or in a small group this pandemic year, playing games has been a much needed source of entertainment and socialization. MAZES AND MAPS celebrates the importance of the game while putting focus on a particular aspect: cartography.
In this eight person exhibition, each artist has uniquely interpreted game maps through a balance of projection, labeling, and symbology. Some works are pure whimsy, but others are deeply reflective and socially acute.
MAZES AND MAPS opens Saturday, May 29th online and in person. The first weekend’s in-person viewings are by appointment only. Starting June 2, the public is welcome during regular gallery hours without appointment. Admission is free and gallery hours are Wed – Thu, 10 – 8 pm; Fri – Sat, 10 – 6 pm; and Sunday 12 – 5pm.
Masks are required for entry and the number of concurrent visitors is limited to allow for social distancing. Pyramid Atlantic is located at 4318 Gallatin Street, Hyattsville Maryland 20781. More info at pyramidatlantic.org or 301-608-9101.
Curator Andrew Wodzianski remarks, “MAZES AND MAPS excites me on a personal and professional level. Personally, gaming has been my favorite pastime since childhood. I’ve spent countless hours rolling dice, knocking pawns, and shuffling cards. It’s a dream come true to combine my hobby-of-choice into a professional setting. The assembled artists push game iconography into thought-provoking areas that test my perception of entertainment. ”
The show features John James Anderson’s board game “Pantheon” with 3-D printed pawns, Irene Chan’s artist Book “Fairytale Bingo”, Wesley Clark’s hard hitting “New York, New York” (The Stop & Frisk Game Board), Nick DeFord’s sequined “Double Word Score”, Tim Hutchings’ fan favorite and award winning “Thousand Year Old Vampire”, “Labyrinth” made of found objects by Zofie King, fantastical pen on paper worlds by Casey Jex Smith, as well as satirical works by Andrew Wodzianski.
“Any game is dependent on rules, and games abstracted onto boards, paper, and screens are also reliant on visual design rules,” continues Wodzianski. “These artworks are rooted in the formal elements and principles of design. Patterns, rhythms, and contrasts abound. However, while games’ visual aesthetics are in service to their rule sets, the pieces in MAZES AND MAPS frequently grow in twisting directions that are delightfully unexpected.”
This exhibition is made possible in part through support from the Maryland State Arts Council, The Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation, Maryland Milestones, and the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County.
