CULTURE • Pinball People

1. Exhibition

In a gallery in central Gothenburg, pinballers Mats Holmquist and Claes Johansson curated an exhibition of pinball artwork.

“It’s sad, how artwork that used to be so commonplace and popular, has become so marginalized. We hope to promote this form of artistic expression.”

2. Competition

Christian Holmsten runs Sweden’s largest pinball arcade. During a weekend last october he hosted the European Pinball Championships.

“You have to experience it to really understand. It’s genuinely visceral and a contest on multiple levels, like chess and soccer combined. Challenging both to the body and mind.”

An hour before the opening. Claes Johansson adjusting the exhibits.

Backglasses were in the limelight, but the playfields tied the room together.

An opening night with aficionados, buzzing with expert chatter.

Passing on the legacy. For some it's less about the art work and all the more about playing.

The soundtrack of a championship? Try imagining 50 canned amusement parks, jangeling all at once.

Checking out the progress. First you have to qualify for playoffs.

Competing takes a double toll. When you play and when you check on your rivals.

One stands anchored, another moves a lot. Everyone has their own style.

Female contestors. A minority on the rise.