XP

XP reimagines Aerith from Final Fantasy VII as a physical sculpture constructed from approximately 1,000 individual 1.5" × 1.5" maple wood blocks.

The work explores the evolution of video game graphics and the remarkable progression from simple pixels and polygons to the increasingly detailed and immersive digital characters of today. Each maple block acts as a physical building unit, translating a character born entirely within a digital environment into a tangible, three-dimensional form.

From a distance, the blocks come together to create the recognizable figure of Aerith. As the viewer approaches, however, the image begins to fragment into its individual components. This change in perspective echoes the evolution of video game graphics itself. What once represented the cutting edge of digital character design can now appear beautifully primitive when compared with today's technology.

The use of maple creates a deliberate contrast with the synthetic origins of the character. The natural grain, color, and imperfections of the wood introduce qualities that cannot exist in a digital image. A character constructed from pixels has been rebuilt from hundreds of pieces of a material that was once living, creating a conversation between nature, technology, and craftsmanship.

Aerith, one of Final Fantasy VII's most recognizable characters, serves as a connection to an era when video games were making a dramatic transition into three-dimensional worlds. XP celebrates that moment while reflecting on the relentless progression of technology and our changing perception of what constitutes a "realistic" image.

Like the experience points represented by its title, the sculpture is about growth and progression. Every block contributes to the larger image, just as every technological advancement builds upon what came before it. XP is both a tribute to the games that shaped a generation and a physical representation of how far the medium has leveled up.

18" x 20" x 14"

January, 2026. Maple blocks.