Jesse Morsberger: Crossplay
17th May, 2024 – 30th June, 2024
COVA Art Gallery
Philitelaan 73
5617 AM Eindhoven, The Netherlands
Crossplay is the title of a solo exhibition by Jesse Morsberger, taking place from May 17th to June 30th, 2024, at COVA Art Gallery in Eindhoven, The Netherlands. This exhibition marks a significant phase in Morsberger’s career, following his impactful contribution to the group exhibition Great Things // Small Doses Vol. 2.
In Crossplay, Jesse Morsberger merges the worlds of gaming and fine art. Drawing inspiration from the video game mechanism of crossplay — where players from different platforms converge — the artist delves into the fusion of actual life occurrences with digital escapades. This body of work uses the concept of crossplay as a profound allegory for life’s myriad transitions, embedding personal stories of grief, affection, and transformation into his artworks, which are marked by vivid, humor-laden depictions.
One of the highlights of this exhibition is the centerpiece (depicted above), also titled Crossplay which immerses the audience into a dramatic video game melee. Here, Jesse Morsberger portrays himself amidst various game characters, engaging in a symbolic brawl. A striking visual element is a fist clutching a paintbrush, surging through the tableau, signifying the intense clash between creative impulses and tangible realities. This piece, like others in the exhibition, invites viewers to navigate the complexities of life through a blend of combat and comedy, all while exploring themes of mortality and personal challenge. The artist appropriates themes, characters, and interfaces from popular games, including Final Fantasy, Super Mario, Battle Field, to rethink the very practice of painting.
Jesse Morsberger, Windfall Island, oil on canvas, 102 x 152 cm, 2021
Jesse Morsberger, Leaving Outset Island, oil on canvas, 66 x 86 cm, 2022
Jesse Morsberger, born in 1994 in Brooklyn, New York, is a contemporary American artist currently residing and working in Los Angeles, California. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from SUNY Purchase College, where he studied from 2012 to 2016, honing his skills and developing his unique artistic voice. Morsberger’s work primarily explores the intersection of digital culture and traditional painting, often drawing on themes from video games and digital experiences to inform his canvas work. His art is known for its vibrant colors, intricate details, and the fusion of digital and physical narratives, reflecting on the contemporary human condition. Jesse has had several significant solo exhibitions, showcasing his ability to captivate and engage audiences. In 2023, he presented Paradigm Shift at Taymour Grahne Projects in London and Rare Candy at Août Gallery in Beirut, Lebanon, each reflecting his evolving thematic concerns and stylistic developments. In 2022, his exhibition LIMIT BREAK, hosted online by Taymour Grahne Projects, further solidified his reputation in the digital art space.
LINK: Crossplay
LINK: Jesse Morsberger