John Klima, US/PT

The Great Game
Originally created in 2001 this uses data collected from U.S. army troop movement and air force data collected during the Afghanistan conflict and played back in a 3D game-like interface. The software is displayed on a monitor mounted to a children’s arcade ride. A separate coin operated arcade cabinet controls the display and the joystick movements of the ride. The piece appropriates computer game techniques to comment on so called ‘bloodless’ methods of contemporary warfare, power and information.

About the artist:
Since the late nineties John Klima’s work has received international attention for it critical approach and use of software as a means of extending our reality. Much of his work appropriates arcade game devices, off-the-shelf toys and computer games from which he creates new worlds that comment on the social hierarchies we inhabit, with emphasis on issues of control, ownership and surveillance. Alongside his artistic practice, he has worked extensively in commercial game design and has taught at various universities across the US and Europe.His most well know works, glasbead (2000), earth (2001), ecosystem (2002) and Terrain Machine (2004-6). Over the last decade, Klima has won numerous awards for his innovative work. Originally from the U.S. he currently lives and works in Lisbon.

John Klima, The Great Game, PT/US: UM Exhibition, Opening  Thur 12 Nov, 22hrs, ECV Fiat Garage (new space), Av. 24 de Julho, 60 [Santos], 1200-869. Exhibition runs to 27 Nov (Mon-Fri, 12-19hrs).