Explore TV and film reimagined as 8-bit video games by Jude Buffum

Jude Buffum started experimenting with pixel art in 2004, but the concept behind this collection struck in 2007: what if beloved movies and TV shows had been made into 8-bit video games? By building each piece as a fake screenshot designed to pack a whole story into a single frame, he was among the first artists to explore what has since become a popular pixel art idea.

8-bit pixel art of The Dude from The Big Lebowski by illustrator Jude Buffum, reimagining the series as a retro video game

The Dude Abides

Inspired by: The Big Lebowski
Gallery: North Bowl
Exhibition: Buy Somethin' Will Ya! (2007)
Award: American Illustration 27 (2008)

8-bit pixel art of Jesus Quintana from The Big Lebowski by illustrator Jude Buffum, reimagining the series as a retro video game

*Nobody F***s with the Jesus*

Inspired by: The Big Lebowski
Gallery: North Bowl
Exhibition: Buy Somethin' Will Ya! (2007)
Award: American Illustration 27 (2008)

8-bit pixel art of Walter Sobchak from The Big Lebowski by illustrator Jude Buffum, reimagining the series as a retro video game

Mark It Zero

Inspired by: The Big Lebowski
Gallery: North Bowl
Exhibition: Buy Somethin' Will Ya! (2007)

A Decade of Gallery Shows

What began with an 8-bit exploration of Jude's favorite film, The Big Lebowski, grew into a conceptual body of work for pop-culture themed gallery shows. Most of these exhibitions were at Gallery 1988, the beloved Los Angeles venue behind the long-running Crazy 4 Cult show until it closed its doors in 2026.

8-bit pixel art of Milton Waddams from Office Space by illustrator Jude Buffum, reimagining the series as a retro video game

Stapler

Inspired by: Office Space
Gallery: Gallery 1988
Exhibition: Crazy 4 Cult: This Time It's Personal (2008)
Award: American Illustration 28 (2009)

8-bit pixel art of Bill Lumbergh from Office Space by illustrator Jude Buffum, reimagining the series as a retro video game

T.P.S. Reports

Inspired by: Office Space
Gallery: Gallery 1988
Exhibition: Crazy 4 Cult: This Time It's Personal (2008)
Award: American Illustration 28 (2009)

8-bit pixel art painting of Teddy Ruxpin and a Care Bear by illustrator Jude Buffum, reimagining the characters as Mortal Kombat fighting opponents

Care Bear Carnage

Inspired by: Care Bears, Teddy Ruxpin
Gallery: Brave New Worlds
Exhibition: The Autumn Society - 80's Pop! (2009)
Award: American Illustration 29 (2010)