Dave Yoas: PLAY TIME

Dave Yoas brings new work to Transmission Gallery in Play Time, a solo exhibition of the latest of his cut tin extravaganzas.

At first glance wildly riotous fun abounds: aliens, cowgirls (and boys), shooting galleries, tin toys, pop culture, and nostalgia capture attention. Ultimately a more complex situation emerges as one takes in the details. Reminiscent of vintage Sand Pail kids, a trio of cutout children cavort in war game regalia on one wall. On another, atomic bomb imagery winds up with siren sound effect, assembled from a marble run game, reminding those of us who remember of duck and cover grade school drills. Improbable Martians and television memes bring a smile. Tiny details spark a sense of recognition.

Yoas embarks on his work inspired by the turn of a phrase or a twist on a theme. Eyeing an incredible collection of tin cans, trays, boxes, and toys in a studio overflowing with imagery he pulls out the pieces he needs and carefully snips away. Ultimately the work comes together in a 3-d or dimensional tableau that is so satisfying to see in the real. Though detail photos begin to communicate a sense of the physicality of the work, it’s well worth experiencing in person.