Telfair Museums Presents Survey of Legendary Game Designer Keita Takahashi

SAVANNAH, GA. (October 12) Telfair Museums is excited to present Keita Takahashi: Zooming Out, on view January 24 through July 14, 2019. This first-ever museum survey exhibition of the legendary Japanese video game designer’s work is organized in conjunction with the museum’s annual PULSE Art + Technology Festival.

Initially trained as an artist, Takahashi received a degree in Fine Art and Sculpture from Musashino Art University in Tokyo. At the beginning of his professional career, he was hired as a design artist at Namco, where he became the lead developer of Katamari Damacy, a now-iconic game that won awards, spawned sequels, influenced popular culture beyond the game world, and was one of the first video games acquired for the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art.

The exhibition highlights Takahashi’s outside-the-box approach to game development, game mechanics, aesthetics, and music. Included will be playable versions of all of Takahashi’s major games, such as the original Katamari Damacy and its newly remastered edition, Katamari Damacy REROLL, We Love Katamari, Noby Noby Boy, and the eagerly awaited Wattam (Developer: Funomena, Publisher: Annapurna Interactive). In addition to his major game releases, the exhibition includes several of his independent games and collaborative installations, including Tenya Wanya Teens, operated with two 16-button controllers, and a reimagined, immersive take on the classic game PAC-MAN (with Clement Shimizu and Babycastles). The artist’s early sculpture work, animations, and playground designs will also be on view.

“We are honored to present this overdue look at Keita Takahashi’s career,” says Harry DeLorme, PULSE Curator and Telfair’s Senior Curator of Education. “He tirelessly imagines new ways to make people smile through his games and projects, and Telfair’s PULSE Festival is an ideal venue for people of all ages to experience his work.”
PULSE Art + Technology Festival takes place January 24-27, 2019 at Telfair Museums’ Jepson Center with a panel discussion featuring Takahashi.

Daytime admission to PULSE is free, with investment provided by the City of Savannah and generous donors. In-kind support for Keita Takahashi: Zooming Out has been provided by BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc., The Elumenati, Funomena, and Annapurna Interactive.

About PULSE Art + Technology Festival:
Originating in 2007 following the opening of Telfair Museums’ Jepson Center, PULSE is an all-ages festival highlights the work of innovative artists working in digital media. The festival includes exhibitions, performances, lectures, workshops and other educational programs, many connected to S.T.E.A.M. education. The festival and daytime programs during the festival are free of charge to students and local residents.

PAC-MAN™&©BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc.
KATAMARI DAMACY™&©BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc.
WE LOVE KATAMARI™&©BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc.
NOBY NOBY BOY™&©BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc.
Katamari Damacy REROLL™&©BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc.