iam8bit is back!

W ithout further ruckus, we've got a very exciting announcement to make: The group art show that ravished the world of all its precious, videogame retro-ness four times in a row is returning for a fifth go at it. Since this is such a seminal number (five shows, that is), we've decided to upgrade the name a little bit:

SUPER iam8bit
Opening Night Extravaganza
August 11, 2011
7pm to 11pm

All-night ambiance by DJ R-Rated
With special performances by Leeni and A_Rival

We'll be hosting the event at the recently renovated iam8bit headquarters in glorious Echo Park:

- 2147 W. Sunset Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90026 -

It's going to be bigger and bolder than ever before, as we have over 4,500 sq. ft. of event space (that's nearly 5 times the size of the original show in 2005)!

Over 100 artists will reimagine their 80's gaming fantasies, delusions and secret desires via all sorts of media - painting, sculpture, plush, and even some more interactive experimentation. Highlights include:

*A special tribute to Galaga's 30th anniversary featuring the world's largest "arcade cabinet"
* The transformation of the entire gallery into an 80's gaming wonderland by designer decal collective BLIK
*An interactive, "retro-fied" Kinect hack from Double Fine super-artist Drew Skillman
*And much, much more!

Oh yes, there's more!

Collecting pieces from the iam8bit archives, SUPER iam8bit is the sequel to the best-selling (and totally awesome) iam8bit book. It features 160 beautiful pages of radical, videogame-inspired art by over 80 artists, as well as a foreword by host & producer of Attack of the Show, Kevin Pereira. The book was designed by the wonderful folks over at Hexanine, and co-published with the similarly likeminded guys at Plastic Highway.

Soon enough, you'll be able to pre-order the book on our fancy new website, but for now, you'll just have to salivate uncontrollably.

We'll be making plenty more announcements in the coming weeks, including the full artist roster, but until then, feel free to assault our inboxes.

P.S. Thanks to Dave Crosland for such an awesome poster image!

SUPER iam8bit is made possible with the generous support of these lovely companies:

Nick

Nick Ahrens is one of the four partners of awesome at iam8bit.

20 Comments

1. 

   July 21, 2011 @ 2:21 pm

   Franky G says:

   It's about time! I am so jazzed for this!

   Reply
2. 

   July 21, 2011 @ 2:21 pm

   Scott Peters says:

   Fuck yes!

   Reply
3. 

   July 21, 2011 @ 2:24 pm

   Keith Jordan says:

   Can't wait Jon! It just keeps getting more and more awesome. I'll be there opening night!

   -Keith

   Reply
4. 

   July 21, 2011 @ 2:52 pm

   Shiney says:

   I'm so glad to see that the show is back and bigger than ever. I remember in '05 thinking what a great concept this was and knew it would be met with much support. I was so glad to see iam8bit expend the following years even though I kinda missed the coziness of Gallery 1988. Hopefully the new venue becomes a more permanent location for such a wonderful event. Looking forward to August!

   Reply
   • 

     July 21, 2011 @ 3:02 pm

     Nick says:

     The new location is our own gallery and store.

     Reply
5. 

   July 21, 2011 @ 3:17 pm

   hdremix says:

   Will there be art show free booze?

   Reply
   • 

     July 21, 2011 @ 4:32 pm

     Jon says:

     What art show would be complete without it?

     Reply
6. 

   July 21, 2011 @ 10:22 pm

   Ruben Guzman says:

   How much does the show entrance cost?

   Reply
   • 

     July 22, 2011 @ 3:59 pm

     Amanda says:

     its free!

     Reply
7. 

   July 28, 2011 @ 11:17 am

   Kyle Kekauoha says:

   Free entry, free drinks, and video games? FUCK YEAH!

   Reply
8. 

   July 28, 2011 @ 8:16 pm

   Mathieu Beaulieu says:

   Say whaaaaaaaaaaa!!!?

   A new book!!!!

   Reply
9. 

   August 5, 2011 @ 5:31 pm

   Jacob Liao says:

   you post the hours for opening night (which I am sad to say I cannot go to) but what will be the show's regular days and hours? I looked over the site twice but don't see any of that information listed. I'd hate to show up when you guys are closed. it would make me very sad. :p

   thanks!

   Reply
10. 

    August 8, 2011 @ 11:14 pm

    Luke says:

    Are there age restrictions for this?

    Reply
    • 

      August 9, 2011 @ 12:18 pm

      Nick says:

      Nope! Only to drink.

      Reply
11. 

    August 9, 2011 @ 12:13 pm

    muttonchops says:

    Is this an all ages event?

    Reply
    • 

      August 9, 2011 @ 12:19 pm

      Nick says:

      Yup!

      Reply
12. 

    August 11, 2011 @ 2:42 am

    matthew graham says:

    wow, found out about this thanks to kotaku and oh so happy about it.

    this is fantastic stuff guys (though i'm sure you're aware). be there opening night for sure.

    Reply
13. 

    August 11, 2011 @ 3:39 pm

    Jacob says:

    so no one on this site can tell me what the regular gallery hours will be for the art show between August 12 and Sept 10? or are the gallery's actual hours 7-11PM everyday? sorry, just trying to plan a trip to see your show. PLEASE respond. thanks!

    Reply
14. 

    August 11, 2011 @ 9:24 pm

    Abe Froman says:

    I'm with Jacob. I was hoping to check the show out this weekend, maybe Sunday. Is it open? Hours? I checked the site but couldn't locate that info. Any help would be much appreciated.

    Reply
15. 

    August 20, 2011 @ 9:22 pm

    Edwin says:

    So the event is free? and its open to the public till september 11th?

    Reply