Víctor Alonso, “The Last Game Centers”

&& GALLERY presents, “The Last Game Centers” an exhibition by Víctor Alonso.

The Last Game Centers is a tribute to arcades; a map of the hidden treasures of the old game centers still operating in Japan.

For decades, arcades were vital community spaces, where people gathered to bond over video games, creating shared experiences in a vibrant, neon-lit environment. However, with the rise of home gaming, mobile devices, & online play, many game centers have closed, a trend accelerated by rising rents & the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In an attempt to immortalize the remaining game centers as they fade from Japan’s urban landscape, serving as a reminder of a cultural phenomenon that shaped a generation. Through these photographs, Víctor Alonso hopes to preserve the legacy of these spaces, offering a nostalgic look at their role in youth culture & social life.

The Last Game Centers exhibition is but a small preview of Víctor Alonso’s new photo book of the same name, which contains more than two hundred photographs & will be on sale through the exhibition.

&& GALLERY has also curated a small group exhibition, an accompaniment of illustrations paying homage to game centers consisting of 5 artists, Brent Ozaeta, Crisalys, Mizucat, ONIONLABS & Pepe Salot.

OPENING RECEPTION: April 25th, 4 – 7PM

Show will run from: April 25th – May 5th