Retro arcade machines reimagined as art in Ponsonby

Retro arcade machines have been transformed into art installations at Studio One - Toi Tū, a community art facility in Ponsonby, under the initiative of Auckland Council.

The exhibition, Arca Arcade "Round One", presents a blend of nostalgic and contemporary elements by integrating retro arcade technologies with interactive art experiences. It is designed to engage visitors with a playful yet thoughtful approach, encouraging participation from all age groups. Designer Preston Khan McNeil has overseen the fusion of vintage arcade games with modern art, highlighting influences from te ao Māori and local artists from Aotearoa New Zealand.

McNeil teamed up with local artists including Gina Kiel, Flox, Otis Frizzell, Joe Sheehan, and Otis Chamberlain to contribute to the project. "What started as an industrial design passion project has transformed into an art initiative, now serving a community deeply influenced by 80s and 90s arcade gaming," McNeil stated.

Explaining his approach, McNeil said, "When I began designing the arcade cabinet, my brief was to create something compact and elegant, that looked like art, and that my wife wouldn't mind having in a living space." His aim was to craft a collection that pays homage not only to the past appeal but also to the lasting cultural impact of arcade gaming. "Arca Arcade isn't 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," he added.

McNeil's background in both digital design and arcade gaming has been pivotal in realising this exhibition, which stands as a testament to his diverse skills and deep-rooted passion for arcade culture.

Siobhan Connelly, Manager at Studio One - Toi Tū, described the exhibition as an opportunity for community engagement through shared enthusiasm for creativity and the nostalgia associated with arcade gaming. "It's a playful and immersive experience where iconic machines are elevated to art, celebrated for their design, history, and cultural impact," Connolly commented.

Connolly also emphasised the unique visitor experience offered by the exhibition, "Each exhibition we host brings something unique for our visitors and Arca Arcade 'Round One' is no different. Not only is it an immersive experience, but it's also a competition to strive for the top spot on the leaderboards, which is fitting and a pleasant surprise as most exhibits often deter physical interaction," she said.

She concluded by expressing excitement about the exhibition's offerings to both local and distant visitors: "We're delighted to offer something new to our visitors, from near and far, to discover and enjoy."

The exhibition along with the leaderboard competition is available to the public until 31st October at Studio One – Toi Tū in Ponsonby.