PROGRAM
The Eye of the Beholder(s): Art, Games, and Adventures Through 50 Years of D&D
On the occasion of the extraordinary exhibition Gateway to Adventure - 50 Years of D&D Art, we gather for a panel that is not just a celebration of the art of Dungeons & Dragons but also an opportunity to explore the evolution of a visual imagination that has defined fantasy over the past fifty years. Leading us on this journey will be Jon Peterson and Jessica Lee Patterson, curators of the exhibition and deep connoisseurs of D&D's history. They will be joined by artists Erol Otus, a legend of the old school, and Tyler Jacobson, one of the leading figures of the new generation.
Through the voices of Peterson, Patterson, Otus, and Jacobson, we will explore how the art of D&D has built a bridge between imaginary worlds and shared reality, leaving an indelible mark on popular culture and collective imagination. Starting from an analysis of the works on display and the historical contribution that artists have made to the creation of D&D's worlds, we will reflect on how art has been a driving force in shaping not only the game's aesthetics but also the perception of fantasy as a whole. We will discuss the artistic transformations that have characterized D&D, observing how these evolutions have influenced the community and the gaming experience, from the era of visionary early illustrations to the new contemporary expressions.
We will also delve into the role that fantasy art plays today in the art market and in the world of collectors, examining the growing value of these works alongside their status as shared cultural heritage, both for individual fans and broader communities. We'll talk about how the art of D&D is not merely decorative, but a form of visual storytelling that has created deep connections among players, generating stories, emotions, and profound impacts in the lives of generations of adventurers over the span of five decades.