Bangkok, pixelated
Art group eBoy has artistically digitised the city
Known as the “Godfathers of Pixel” to their cult following, three-piece digital art group eBoy recently unveiled its latest Bangkok-themed pixelated masterpieces, as part of Central Festival Eastville’s grand opening. Guru chats with the trio, Kai Vermehr, Steffen Sauerteig and Svend Smital, about bringing their unique style of art to our city.
Tell us what you’ve created for display at Central Festival Eastville.
We created a “Pixorama” — a pixel panorama of Central Festival Eastville surrounded by local landmarks and scenes. We also created a series of custom “Blockbob” sculptures for the mall.
How did you approach the invitation to make art for Bangkok and Thai people?
We were very excited, especially after doing some research and seeing how beautiful Thailand is. We were also looking forward to meet Thai people!
How long did it take you to make this exhibition?
About a month, counting the bare production work. A little bit more with the preparation time.
Did anything about Bangkok or Thai culture surprise you while studying the city to make this piece?
The colour and amount of detail and the variety of life in the streets. It is a very busy city that encompasses tradition and progress at the same time. Arriving, we also were very impressed with the airport and the biggest billboards we have ever seen.
What strikes you about the art scene or art appreciation in Bangkok?
It was humbling to see how people were very open to our work. Lots of pictures were taken of the Pixorama, the Blockbobs and with us. Everyone was very sweet and generous.
What’s next for you?
We’re working on projects related to Hong Kong and Tokyo. We’ll also be improving and developing our database, which will feature and make accessible thousands of images created through 20 years of eBoy.
Catch eBoy’s old-school Nintendo-esque style at Central Festival Eastville, located 25 minutes by car from Lat Phrao MRT station. You have an entire year to see the Pixorama and 11 Blockbob sculptures, but the seasonal 12m Blockbob Christmas Tree will only be on display until Dec 31. Additionally, after learning about Thailand and its monarchy, eBoy has created an exhibition, “Dad Chapter”, in honour of HM the King.