Jonathan Bonner, Steven Doughty, Eric Martin, Jonathan Pettigrew, Coin-Op, 2022. Courtesy of the artists
Coin-Op:
Exploring the Spirit of ‘80s and ‘90s Arcade Games
Artists: Jonathan Bonner, Steven Doughty, Eric Martin, Jonathan Pettigrew
Coin-Op is an interactive installation looking at the retro arcade experience and explores the community and spirit that lived in these spaces. From multiple-player cabinets to single-player experiences, the Coin-Op Arcade gives the audience a feel of 80’s nostalgia. Participants will have the opportunity to play many classic 1980’s 8 and 16-bit games with a modern twist (designed by Jon Bonner). Cabinets designed by Bonner are made mostly of recycled and reused materials and will look at the interactivity and community aspects of gaming. Participants will also take in uniquely created sights and sounds of the 1980s arcade era while exploring the Coin-Op Arcade (designed by Steven Doughty and Eric Martin). So, get your tokens ready and enjoy the Coin—Op Arcade!
The artists write:
Many remember the times of early ‘80s and ‘90s arcade parlors. The sights, sounds, smells: there was always something special about entering your local arcade with a handful of tokens. Perhaps waiting with your friends as the players ahead finished up on your favorite game. And when it’s your turn, you drop the coin into the slot and you Ready Up!
Exhibition Hours
Tuesday through Sunday: 12-8 pm.
Closed on Mondays.
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Opening Reception: Tuesday, December 6, 5:30pm
Artists
Eric Martin
Eric Martin is an Abu Dhabi-based, American artist with over two decades of experience in music performance, sound design, audio engineering, arranging, and composition.
Read moreWith countless performances in rock bands, bluegrass groups, and jazz ensembles, he was able to seamlessly transition into a career as an audio engineer/sound designer for New England regional theaters and touring productions in the United States.
After gaining experience on both sides of the sound board, Eric continued to grow as an artist by rearranging songs for the Ogunquit Playhouse Arts Academy, serving as music director for Southwestern Oklahoma State University, and most recently by composing chiptune-style electronic music like that which you will hear in “Coin-Op: Exploring the Spirit of 1980s and 1990s Arcade Games.”
Jonathan Bonner
Jonathan Bonner is an Abu Dhabi-based visual artist with a background in lighting & scenic design and woodworking.
Read moreJon’s interests include giving recycled materials a new life. Then integrating different materials not seen in the same spheres. This exploration is what helped birth the idea of “Coin-op.” Participants will have the opportunity to interact with arcade cabinets that realize this merger.
Jon passionately values the collaborative process, which was the cornerstone of realizing this project. Without his fellow collaborators, this installation would not have happened; thank you!
Steven Doughty
Based in Abu Dhabi, Steven Doughty is a multimedia artist who has been exploring generative art produced by the interaction of human and other-than-human technological systems
Read moreBy embracing fragmented semiotic imagery, technological framing, and simple feedback loops his work encourages people to place themselves in a relationship or community with technology as opposed to a relationship of control or ownership.
Jonathan Pettigrew
Jonathan Pettigrew has served as a Lighting Technical Specialist at the NYUAD Arts Center for the last six years.
Read moreIn this role, Jon has helped compose lighting designs for various performance genres. He is excited to bring his knowledge of lighting design and aesthetics to help create the world the audience will experience in “Coin-Op”.