Humboldt Park Gallery Showcases Original Art from Tabletop Game Rupture
“I want to share the beauty of game artwork; I think it’s a subgenre that doesn’t get a lot of shine,” said Henry Bruce, the creator of the upcoming tabletop card game Rupture. An exhibit featuring 75 pieces of original artwork from the game opens Monday at the Coming Soon gallery, 3701 W. Division St., Block Club Chicago reported.
The show, titled “The Artwork of Rupture,” highlights the visual development of the game, which Bruce describes as a fusion of “Magic: The Gathering” and “Super Smash Bros.” The game simulates a video game fighting experience using tabletop trading card rules, featuring six distinct character decks that each operate within a different fantasy world.
Collaborative Creation with Local Artists
Bruce, a Bucktown resident and product manager, recruited six illustrators to design the game’s characters. He intentionally sought out a variety of aesthetic styles, resulting in a collection that spans watercolor, oil painting, digital art, comic book aesthetics, anime-inspired designs, and botanical illustrations.
Featured artists include Chicago-based illustrators Henry Adams, Pat Lyne, Julia Guillory, Kailyn Perry, and Kate Summers, alongside European artists Ari Oliver and an illustrator known as Arancia. Bruce connected with many of these creators through social media and the Chicago Artists Coalition, a nonprofit organization supporting local emerging artists.
Each of the six artists contributed character study pieces that will be available for purchase at the gallery. The exhibition aims to provide recognition for the game’s visual components, which include roughly 90 original illustrations across a 360-card set.
Schedule play sessions for Kickstarter launch
The art exhibit serves as a bridge for the game’s broader rollout. Bruce has been hosting play sessions at local cafes to build a following within the Chicago gaming community. He expects to launch a Kickstarter campaign in February, with the full game release slated for next year.
The gallery show runs through Nov. 23. It is open to the public on weekends from 3-6 p.m., while weekday viewings are available by appointment only. Interested attendees can contact Bruce via his Instagram page to schedule a private showing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core mechanic of the Rupture card game?
The game is designed to simulate a video game fighting experience through tabletop rules. Players use six unique decks to conduct three simultaneous, quick one-on-one matches, with each deck set in its own fantasy world.
How can the public view the artwork outside of weekend hours?
The exhibition at Coming Soon gallery is available for private viewing throughout the week. Potential visitors must reach out to Henry Bruce via his social media account on Instagram to book an appointment.
What is the status of the game’s release?
The game is currently in the development and community-building phase. A Kickstarter campaign is scheduled to launch in February, with a full commercial release expected later in the following year.