When I first came across the work of Christopher Anry, I was immediately overwhelmed with a deep sense of nostalgia. I grew up in the age of early computer games, Nintendo, and the advent of the internet. The limitations of the technology we had access to led to beautiful innovations. Among these were examples of stunning worlds built entirely with limited color pallets and a lack of graphic details. As time went on, technology improved and the density of detail went up- we largely forgot about the time when entire universes were created by careful placement of pixels.

To encounter this work in our new age of photorealistic CGI and high resolution photography and video online was a welcome retreat to a simpler age. But Christophers work, though referential to a bygone era, is infused with a cyberpunk modernity that ties it firmly to our current time. It strikes a beautiful balance between nostalgia and futurism that never ceases to catch my eye when it comes across my feed.

I was lucky enough to correspond with Christopher, and even commisioned the below piece for the ALLSHIPS community. So without further delay I present to you this short interview about his work.

What drew you towards pixel art as a style of artistic expression?

At first, I wanted to create my own narrative video game. So I started to think about a visual identity for this project and quickly found that pixel art could be a good option for me. Its minimalist look seemed both achievable regarding the amount of work, and an ideal option to tell a story because I believe the player’s imagination has to work a bit to make moments unforgettable. I truly believe that pixel art has this particular capacity to suggest things without detailing them, and that puts so much life into these pieces.

What cultural influences do you think inform the work you create? Movies, books, comics, games, TV?

My main influences come from video games, which I started playing at a young age, but also many movies that influenced me during my teenage years and still do. Even now I still watch some of them even if I already have watched them ten or more times! Mostly sci-fi movies from the 80’s/90’s, like Aliens, Terminator, Blade Runner, Jurassic Park. And of course among my influences we can name a few famous artists that I admire, and who motivate and inspire me such as Syd Mead, Manchu, Moebius, Sparth or Brom for a fantasy style.

Who are some other pixel artists I can link to here so people reading can take a deeper dive into that genre of art?

I instantly think of three artists, Waneella, Mr Valenberg and Kirokaze. Obviously there are plenty of others but these ones gave me the will to start my own career in pixel art. Watching their work made me realize what pixel art can do with new technology (its much less limited than the old days), and they also showed me its huge narrative potential.

I've always considered constraints as an important part of the creative process. Does the constraints of working with 2D pixels help you to push into new creative areas?

Yes absolutely, in my case the many restrictions of pixel art really helped me to become more efficient with my creative flow. They force me to be focus on the most important things and to not waste time on useless details or over-complicated colors for instance. Overall, I would say that I question myself a lot more about my artwork than before and it’s for the best!

As best you can, will you describe your workflow, what programs you use, and your thought process to create work, personal and for clients?

I work almost exclusively with Photoshop, both for pixel art and animation. I also have an iPad with the Art Studio Pro app that I use when I’m not at home. For my personal work, most of the time it seems to start from a temporary mood that I mull over in my mind. I envision a composition which inspires and fascinates me. Once I decide to realize this vision, I start to look for documentations, like photos, concepts, illustrations, movie screenshots. It could be anything for the composition, the colors, or any additional ideas. For clients, the process is almost the same other than I start with the documenting stage to find a good starting point that matches the demand.

Does travel inform your work at all? Where is a favorite place you have been?

Unfortunately I haven’t had a lot of opportunities to travel abroad. But I like to go into the French mountains to recharge my batteries away from cities.

Are there areas you are looking to get deeper in? I've noticed you do science fiction type work but also incredible fantasy concepts. Whats next for you?

I love space! So I really think about making a comeback into sci-fi theme but this time with something more space opera like.