At its heart, Pokémon is about encountering, collecting and training mysterious creatures. Players travel through richly imagined regions, discover new species, build teams and compete in battles — the slogan ‘Gotta Catch ’Em All’ distils the collecting instinct at the centre of the experience.
The franchise quickly expanded beyond video games. In 1996, Pokémon trading cards debuted and in 1997, the Pokémon animated television series introduced audiences to Ash Ketchum and Pikachu, transforming the characters into global icons. Toys, films, books and merchandise followed, establishing Pokémon as one of the most enduring entertainment franchises in history.
Visually, Pokémon is defined by its distinctive creature designs, developed across generations by artists and designers including Sugimori. The creatures range from familiar animals and plants to fantastical and abstract forms, each with distinct characteristics and abilities. This blend of familiarity and invention is central to Pokémon’s appeal.
The franchise has continued to evolve alongside new technologies and audiences. Games such as Pokémon GO, released in 2016, brought the series into the physical world through augmented reality, while later titles expanded its open-world possibilities. Pokémon remains one of the world’s most popular video game franchises, continually attracting new generations of fans.
DANIEL ARSHAM (B. 1980) X Pokemon
Blue Crystalized Pikachu
DANIEL ARSHAM (B. 1980) X Pokemon
White Crystalized Pikachu
DANIEL ARSHAM (B. 1980) X POKEMON
Blue Crystalized Pikachu
DANIEL ARSHAM (B. 1980) X POKEMON
White Crystalized Pikachu