Los Angeles underground art scene featured in new video game “Blippo+”
L.A.’s vibrant underground art scene is brought to life in a unique and innovative video game experience called “Blippo+.” This experimental project features over 100 artists, musicians, comedians, actors, and performers from the diverse underground arts community of Los Angeles. The creative minds behind “Blippo+” are Jona Bechtolt and Claire L. Evans, with music by Bechtolt and Rob Kieswetter, who are known for their work in the L.A.-based post-pop band YACHT.
“Blippo+” is not just a video game; it is a blend of video art installation and interactive theater. The game is designed for Playdate, a gaming console that was introduced in 2022. Playdate pays homage to classic gaming devices like the Nintendo Game Boy, featuring a black-and-white, 1-bit display. Evans described “Blippo+” as a form of alternative television, allowing artists to share their eccentric experiments directly with audiences without traditional gatekeepers.
Bechtolt highlighted the shifts in the creative landscape of Los Angeles, noting that the film industry has largely departed, leaving behind a space for other forms of expression to flourish. With the rise of indie video games, there is a significant opportunity for artists to engage with new mediums and explore innovative storytelling approaches. Playdate’s unique low-resolution format perfectly complements the aesthetic of “Blippo+,” which unfolds in an 11-week cycle that introduces fresh content every Thursday at 10 a.m. PDT.
To bring “Blippo+” to life, Bechtolt and Evans collaborated with director JJ Stratford, a seasoned video artist and music video creator. Stratford operates Telefantasy Studios in Glendale, a space dedicated to analog video production that captures the essence of the surreal and speculative. Utilizing tube cameras reminiscent of vintage television equipment, the team behind “Blippo+” worked with a roster of talented contributors including artists Martine Syms and Maya Man, and musicians such as Staz Lindes, Calvin Johnson, and Phil Elverum.
The diverse programming on “Blippo+” includes original content like avant-garde soap operas, sitcoms, news segments, weather reports, and talk shows that challenge traditional narratives and embrace experimentation. The painstakingly crafted visuals and storytelling of “Blippo+” stand out in a world inundated with digital content, offering a fresh perspective on interactive entertainment. By blending art, music, and technology, “Blippo+” represents a bold step forward in the convergence of different creative mediums within the realm of gaming and interactive experiences.