chludens.ch and the ZHDK Gamelab, in collaboration with Echtzeit – Digitale Kultur, psenough, and many other demoscene artists, have created a fantastic virtual exhibition called “Demoscene – Code Imagerey” on the topic of demoscene.
Visit: https://www.toniz.ch/?room=demoscene
For a comprehensive description, introduction, and contextualization, please visit https://gamelab.zhdk.ch/projects/demoscene-code-imagerey-virtual-exhibition/
“Demoscene – Code Imagerey” is an immersive virtual exhibition that takes you on a captivating journey through the history and evolution of the demoscene, a vibrant subculture that has pushed the boundaries of computer graphics and animation for decades. The exhibition’s title aptly captures the essence of demoscene, where code becomes the brush, transforming into mesmerizing visuals and captivating storytelling.
https://gamelab.zhdk.ch/projects/demoscene-code-imagerey-virtual-exhibition/
At the heart of demoscene lies the profound ability of computers to generate images in real time, a capability that shares deep connections with game design and enables the emulation of various media forms. This exhibition serves as a testament to the enduring power of algorithmic art, showcasing how code weaves its magic to create enchanting digital worlds.
A Virtual Landscape Unveiling the Magic of Code
The exhibition unfolds within the digital realm of toniz.ch, a virtual twin of the ToniAreals, a former industrial site in Zurich. This immersive platform blends the elements of a chat platform and a point-and-click adventure, all set against a backdrop reminiscent of the late 1980s, capturing the neo-retro aesthetic of the era. Visitors, both individually and collaboratively, can navigate through various virtual spaces, exploring the origins of the demoscene in the 1980s cracker scene, followed by its evolution through distinct eras: 1995, 1995-2005, 2005-2015, and 2015+. A dedicated space showcases the vibrant world of demoparties, where demoscene enthusiasts gather to celebrate their shared passion.
Throughout these virtual spaces, visitors are treated to a captivating array of demos, each carefully curated to reflect the prevailing zeitgeist, both in terms of technological advancements and the broader cultural landscape. The exhibition was meticulously assembled by the gamelab of the ZHdK and ps, a renowned “Demoist” (https://webuser.scene.org/~ps/) who actively contributes to the demoscene community as a commentator and archivist.
(Images by gamelab.zhdk.ch)