The Angel Orensanz Foundation buried
in Manhattan’s Lower East Side was the site where several industry leaders and experts gathered together for what was publicly billed as a
‘panel discussion’ on videogames. Serving as a backdrop to the night’s festivities were the artworks on display of renowned Final Fantasy
image designer, Yoshitaka Amano. The exhibition (running through October) marked Amano’s second
high profile showing in New York City and contained not only work from the Final Fantasy games, but also pieces from his comic
collaboration with Neil Gaiman (of Sandman fame), Dream Hunters, and
conceptual work from an upcoming 3D animation project called ‘Hero’ (also the name of the show). Chi Kong Lui of GameCritics.com was on
attendance for the event and what follows are his comments about the experience:
Mano y Amano
Examining a nice clear map to the Angel Orensanz Foundation courtesy
of Sidewalk.com didn’t help. As I exited the Delancey Street subway station, I still went the wrong way (damn those confusing Lower East
Side street names). After reaching the end of Norfolk Street and realizing my misdirection, I doubled back, which altogether made me
about five minutes late to the 7pm start time. As I entered the distinct church-turned-art gallery, I was directed immediately to the
balcony because all of the seats on the main floor were already filled. As I marched up the stairs, I had to rush past Amano’s works
(that decorated nearly every inch of the gallery), because I heard a voice on a microphone announcing Yoshitaka Amano to
the podium. I hurried to a suitable spot where the entire stage was visible and before I could even get comfortable, the man of the hour began to speak.
However, much to my surprise, after only a few words, he exited just as quickly
as he had entered. He spoke (through a Japanese interpreter) something to the effect of "glad you could make it and have a great
time." After that statement, he was quickly escorted to a limo in waiting like some kind of super-celebrity. No grandiose
statement about the game industry, no idealistic social commentary, and no insightful words creatively or artistically about his
craft. I can understand the man may feel awkward and shy being that he was not familiar with the English language, but he didn’t
even stick around to shake a few hands, sign a few autographs, or mingle with his fans after the event was over. This was certainly
not the opening that I was hoping for.
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