Behind the scenes of BGaming’s latest art collab with Gonçalo MAR

At BGaming, pushing limits and embracing creativity are at the heart of what we do. That’s why our participation in exhibitions around the globe goes beyond simply displaying our games — it’s a chance for us to explore new artistic possibilities through our project, “When Art Meets Gaming.” We see a strong connection between art and gaming, and by collaborating with local street artists, we can bring bold, dynamic new life to our beloved game characters.

For our 7th art collaboration, we have teamed up with the renowned Portuguese street artist Gonçalo MAR to create a captivating floral artwork as part of our ongoing creative initiative ahead of the SBC Summit Lisbon 2024. This special collaboration breathes new life into some of BGaming’s most popular heroes, merging the world of iGaming with Gonçalo MAR’s distinctive style. Through an intricate combination of leaves and floral designs, our characters from games such as Aztec Clusters, Elvis Frog TRUEWAYS, Aztec Magic MEGAWAYS, and Book of Cats have been reimagined in a way that’s both fresh and evocative.

Gonçalo MAR commented on the creative process: “It was a very interesting experience for me. It involved a bit of trial and error, but with some help and guidance from BGaming's design team, I realized that I could transform practically anything with my surrealist floral style — from a frog who thinks he's Elvis to Cleopatra, queen of Egypt. I can see that my work on this project is evolving more and more, and that is invaluable. I hope the entire BGaming team feels the love I put into this project.”

But who is the artist behind this remarkable transformation? Gonçalo MAR, born in Lisbon, stands as one of the most influential artists of his generation. His journey into art began at twelve when he began drawing imaginative figures with chalk on the streets. His creative path took him through various disciplines, including Fashion Design and animation, as he worked for MagicToons studio. It was in 1998 that Gonçalo MAR first encountered graffiti, a moment that shaped his future as a street artist.

The artist said: “I consider myself a street artist simply because my work communicates so well on the streets, and I am passionate about social commentary. I like the idea of seeing the streets as open-air art galleries.

“This partnership with BGaming came about due to the company's connection with street art, and I am very proud to have been chosen. The challenge of transforming the game characters into my style brought me immense pleasure, and the process of deconstructing the characters went far beyond what I expected in a very positive and rewarding way."

His work is a striking blend of comic book universes, animation, Japanese culture, and the codes of street art. His colorful characters, often shrouded in a surreal atmosphere, seem to emerge from dreams, inviting viewers to break free from routine and enter an imaginative world. Whether on the walls of buildings, art galleries, or larger installations, Gonçalo MAR’s creations have a unique ability to captivate and inspire. His meticulous attention to detail and dedication to design are evident in his murals and mixed media installations, incorporating wood, cardboard, and cement.

Gonçalo MAR highlighted his approach to reimagining BGaming’s heroes: “My choice of colors and patterns for each character was based on the original colors from the game they belong to. This way, I maintain the original connection with each one. The patterns I use in my nature-inspired forms are very specific, and here, I focused on keeping the visual color balance through contrasts.”

Gonçalo MAR’s influence is recognized both nationally and internationally, with six solo exhibitions in Portugal and the US, participation in over 20 group exhibitions in countries like the Netherlands and the UK, and appearances at over 20 art festivals and residences across Europe and beyond. His work earned him the Medal of Cultural Merit from the Municipal Chamber of Seixal in 2022, further cementing his position as a leading figure in contemporary art.
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We're thrilled to team up with Gonçalo MAR to showcase his beautiful floral-themed artwork at the SBC Summit Lisbon 2024. This collaboration shows our focus on creativity, as we bring the energy of street art into the iGaming world. Along with the artwork at our stand, we've also put together some fantastic branded merchandise and gifts for our partners, clients, and friends attending the event.

Gonçalo MAR shared his thoughts on the final transformation: “I personally think that all the characters change a bit when they’re given a new look. You can still see some similarities, but the way I transformed them into natural shapes allows you to recognize who they are while also appreciating the artwork itself.”

Join us at the SBC Summit Lisbon at stand B120 from September 24th to 26th and see these incredible transformations firsthand!

Check out our video interview below to get a deeper understanding of Gonçalo MAR’s artistic vision and how our collaboration came to life.