Childrens toys are mostly simpler, easier to use imitations of adult tools, such as minitrucks and remote controlled toy tanks. In 1987, FisherPrice figured their easy to use, toy video camera, the PXL2000, would sell big. “They wanted it to be so simple, that the kiddie filmmaker can concentrate only on his art.” explained Gerry Fialka, founder of the PXLTHIS Festival. The toy camera recorded a black and white image, with sound onto regular audio cassettes. “Kids didn’t go for the camera. They wanted their toy camera to produce Hollywood color and clarity.” The PXL2000’s black and white image was so faded, it had no real blacks and whites, just shades of dead grey. The image also had square grains instead of dots, creating a dreamlike, moving mosaic.Kids and parents were scared by the blackandwhite “horror film” image it gave, but adult artists gravitated towards it, giving this new medium a name Pixelvision.By Christmas 1989, the PXL2000 was pulled from the market. Nonetheless, Pixelvision artists began to crop up.The camera became a garage sale favorite, going for five or ten dollars. Garage sellers noticed a Pixelvision art movement out there, so PXL2000s wound up on eBay for as high as $420. The PXL2000 wears down considerably every time you use it. Replacement parts do not exist. “It is the only art form that edges towards extinction with every use.” comments an interviewed PXL artist.

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