Isometric New York pixel art

February 2, 2026 - 09:27

A new digital art piece is capturing the imagination of gamers and city enthusiasts alike. The project, an isometric pixel art depiction of New York City, masterfully blends nostalgia with modern creative exploration. Created by artist Andy Coenen, the work is described as both a personal curiosity and a technical exercise involving artificial intelligence.

The artwork directly channels the aesthetic of beloved world-building video games from the 1990s, such as the iconic SimCity 2000. Its charm lies in the detailed, top-down perspective, where familiar skyscrapers, city blocks, and landmarks are constructed from countless tiny, colored squares. This visual style evokes a powerful sense of nostalgia for a generation that grew up managing pixelated metropolises.

Beyond its immediate visual appeal, the project highlights the evolving intersection of traditional art forms and new technology. By utilizing AI in the creative process, the artist explores how these tools can assist in realizing complex, detailed visions that pay homage to classic digital art. The resulting image is a vibrant and intricate love letter to both New York City's iconic skyline and the formative video games that inspired a lifelong fascination with urban landscapes and digital creation.