The hero’s journey is a narrative device – a common storytelling arc that describes the trials and coming of age of a hero. The device is a kind of pattern, a system that generates a particular kind of emotion in a story. Within the framework of the device there are infinite possibilities to create stories that are both unique and familiar.
Patterns are an innately human thing. We love their predictability, their symmetry, their regularity. We think in patterns, and see patterns everywhere. Our obsession with pattern is evident in how we operate, how we organize the world, how we decorate our spaces and dress ourselves, and in many forms of art and culture. But our relationship with patterns is also fraught. Patterns often prevent progress. They are difficult to break. Deeply engrained patterns can withstand even the most heroic efforts. The cycle always repeats. We find comfort in the repetition, even if what repeats is slowly killing us. The world created in this work is heavily patterned. The patterns provide comfort in a complex space. They also create a chaotic energy that is constantly competing for attention.
It is common for a hero’s journey narrative to take place in a foreign land. This work is that distant world. It is also a reflection of a contemporary cultural landscape that is highly fragmented. The scenes in this world play out parallel to each other, but in a disconnected way. They relate through style, palette and cast, but there is not a clear linear path upon which the story takes place. The scenes are not intended to construct a tangible narrative. Instead, the narrative is broken. It is an impossible labyrinth, a constantly shifting pattern. There is no beginning, middle or end, no moral of the story, no underlying agenda. There are just events happening, some of which feel significant, symbolic or mysterious. While others feel benign.
The world constructed here draws influence from video games, particularly those of the 8- and 16-bit generation. There are specific call outs in the work to Super Mario, Metroid, Mega Man, The Legend of Zelda, Tetris, Kirby, and other games in this genre. The world is also inspired by contemporary video games like Minecraft, Terraria, Axiom Verge, The Sims, and Hollow Knight. In addition to stylistic choices, there are two important aspects of video games that inform this work. The first is the idea of the open world or sandbox game. In this type of game, the player has autonomy to freely navigate the game world outside of the prescribed narrative. Discovery and exploration are important elements in these games, and the gamer is often rewarded for their efforts with rich detail, expansive maps and beautiful design. The second video game derived concept that is important to this work is the idea of collectables. The collection of items – coins, badges, cards, hearts, seeds, tools, etc. - often expand the game play and create increased risk, challenge and reward. Collectables incentivize the player to explore the game more deeply and take chances they might not otherwise have taken. In Hero’s Journey, you will find a vast open world with much to see and many items to collect.
This piece is also heavily inspired by pre-renaissance European painting like those found in illuminated manuscripts, fresco painting and early Christian painting. It also pulls ideas from Mesoamerican art, Indian miniatures, Japanese block prints and other similar forms of non-perspectival art. These genres share a curiosity and creativity in how they depict narratives and reflect culture. They are not burdened by the need to construct a natural appearance and as such feel more imaginative and mysterious. The Hero’s Journey world embraces the spirit of creativity, freedom and imagination that can be found in these areas of art history. It also points to parallels between the visual language, and narrative approaches, that are used in video game culture and the early cultures that produced the art forms described above.
Interactive
Hero’s Journey is interactive through the use of hidden Near Field Communication (NFC) chips - tap to pay technology. The artwork has 12 chest for the viewer to find and interact with via their cellphone as they view the piece. Tapping each chest a will display a unique animation on the viewers phone that unveils the contents of the particular chest. The viewer can collect the animated digital artworks as POAP NFTs. The artwork also has one hidden NFC chip - identified here as Residency Drop. Tapping this hidden location will display the residency drop animation featuring the creators signature and allowing the collection of this digital artwork. It also yields a unique opportunity to collect one of three rare drops from Hero’s Journey or one of 120 reproductions of the souvenir plate that is featured in the museum exhibition along with this work.
#1 Matijambi
This genie will grant you one wish, and it might even come true. No guarantees...
#2The Champion
This 3.0 club tennis player has a good forehand and is solid at the net. His serve is good but can be inconsistent. You can beat him easily if you pick on his backhand.
#3 Stegoguy
A common pest. His spiky armor makes him hard to kill. You’ll be sorry if you step on him.
#4 Heart Container
These containers increase your capacity for love, strength, and vitality. Collect as many as you can!
#5 Skull
Game Over!!! Do you want to play again?
#6 Mesoguy
This little guy can help you get to the next level, but he can only be found between dusk and dawn.
#7 Heart
A basic heart. Collect these to replenish your strength and vitality.
#8 Blue Gem
Everyone needs some spending cash. What will you spend yours on? I hear there are some nice things in the TMA Store.
#9 Stone Guerrero
This warrior has been frozen in stone. He’s no good to you in this state.
#10 Coin
A basic coin. Don’t spend it all in one place.
#11 Boogieguy
A common pest. Always lurking around, ready to get in your way when you least expect it.
#12 The Imposter
This guy's motto is fake it until you make it. Will anyone see through his disguise?
Hero’s Journey Souvenir Token (Residency Drop)
This token, featuring the creators signature, commemorates your journey to this land.
Glitch (Rare Drop)
Congratulations! You found the Glitch! Error 404: System malfunction. Please reboot…
Lullaby (Rare Drop)
Congratulations! You found the Lullaby! Starting into this token before bed is sure to soothe you and guide you to pleasant dreams
Bonus Level (Rare Drop)
Congratulations! You found the Bonus Level! Collect as many hearts as you can - before they disappear
