Halo Infinite Masterpiece
Saatchi Gallery London 8-15 December 2021

« I was challenged to create a work in my own style, which typically has a dreamlike and sometimes fantastical quality, but ensuring that it’s instantly recognisable as Halo,” said artist Iva Troj. “I consequently spent a long time immersing myself in Halo’s universe to bring this to life in the manner of an old master but depicting a modern battle, and I hope Halo fans and gamers everywhere enjoy the results – including those smaller Easter eggs that you might not notice at first glance. A rare combination of digital and traditional painting skills was required, as I worked alongside the 343 Industries development team; the painting was completed in just over a month. »

To mark the launch of Halo Infinite, the latest installment in the iconic video game franchise, an original epic, large-scale oil painting is on view in Gallery 4. Created by Iva Troj, the Brighton-based 2016 Palm Award Winner and 2019 CAF Artist Of The Year, the 6m x 3m canvas depicts in minute detail a scene inspired by Halo Infinite. The scene shows franchise protagonist, The Master Chief, locked in battle with his alien enemy: the spark of rebellion in the center of the painting ignites scores of battles nearby, as the Chief inspires the marines around him to become heroes.

The work was created in Troj’s Brighton studio using oil on canvas, with details and techniques that Troj is known for in her original works, which typically blend Renaissance and postmodern styles giving a dreamlike feel. Titled the ‘Master Piece”, playing on Halo’s lead character’s name, the piece elevates a decades-old cultural icon from pop culture to high culture, blending Renaissance art with cutting edge entertainment and reminding fans and new audiences alike that videogames are, indeed, works of art.