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This display sounds very similar to LCDs, for which you can get row/column driver ICs.

> I think you can set up logic gates or something I don't even know what that means except very superficially superficially I'll cross that bridge when I get there

It sounds like this bridge is a long way in the distance.

Look into addressable leds like the WS2812... you can wire them up in series (or buy them pre-soldered on tape) and you can control hundreds of RGB leds independently with just two wires.

Adafruit sells tape as well as matrices of the stuff which might be what you’re looking for

if you’re dead set on controlling individual LEDs look up “charlieplexing” which will let you use n pins to control n^2-n LEDs

There are I2C matrix displays that shouldn't need many GPIO ports.