GAME ART: JULIUS HOFMANN'S VIDEO GAME-INSPIRED PAINTINGS

Glimpse into the surrealist universe of Julius Hofmann, a painter hailing from Göttingen, whose oeuvre encapsulates an unmistakable CGI finesse reminiscent of the pre-programmed, prescribed, predefined existence of genetic NPCs, that is, non-playable characters. Hofmann's geometrically abstracted forms invoke a sophisticated interplay of spatial depth, whilst his somber, earthy palette enlivened by rare eruptions of shocking pink and radiant purple transports the viewer into a realm of retro-futurism reminiscent of early video games. Hofmann's DIY aesthetic and glitch-infused visuals exude a spellbinding vitality, reflecting the dystopian societies imagined in popular games such as Grand Theft Auto. In his works, we witness a nuclear reactors exploding, amazons with sharp blades and RPG-like weapons, cops and robbers. Through his paintings, Hofmann challenges us to question the very core of the society we live in, highlighting the complexities of gaming's pervasive influence on contemporary aesthetics and the real meaning of a gamified life.