Mario vs. King Koopa inspiration for photo exhibit

Friday, May 5, 2006 | 7:40 a.m.

When Las Vegas photographer Garald Todd decided to create a photo essay based on the theme of good versus evil, he looked to his childhood for inspiration.

It was a youth spent in front of a television set playing old-school video games such as Kid Icarus, and Super Mario Bros. So these images became his models.

The result of his effort is "0W|/|z0r!" - video-game speak for "I own you" - an exhibit that opens tonight as part of First Friday, at the Archinofsky Gallery in the Commerce Street Studios.

The nostalgic work reflects Todd's desire to contrast childhood and adult concepts of good and evil, particularly in wartime.

"There is so much going on in politics with the 'Axis of Evil,' 'Evil Doers,' terrorists and other villains," Todd said. "As a child, my villain was King Koopa."

The 20-by-20-inch photographic print, featuring King Koopa (a Super Mario Bros. character) in all his pixilated green glory, is among 21 images Todd photographed while the games were being played on an old television that was selected specifically for its poor picture quality.

Todd shot the images - including ones of Mario, Link and Zelda - when the games were paused and also while in play. The blurry, vividly colored subjects are discernible from afar, but hazy up close. Todd describes them as "abstract and pixilated splashes of color."

Archinofsky Gallery is at 1551 S. Commerce St. The gallery will be open from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. today as part of First Friday, noon to 3 p.m. Saturdays and on May 18, as part of Third Thursday. The exhibit will also be on display for June's First Friday and Third Thursday. For information, call 845-6214.

For information , go to www.firstfriday-lasvegas.org.

Going out in style

Hal Weller, retiring music director for the Las Vegas Philharmonic, will finish his last full season with the orchestra by conducting Mahler's "Resurrection Symphony" on Saturday and Sunday at UNLV's Artemus Ham Hall. The concert will feature 160 vocalists from local choral groups, 110 musicians and guest artists, soprano Sarah Hibbard and mezzo soprano Juline Barol Gilmore. Performances will be 8 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $25, $45 and $66. Call 895-2787.