Internationally known artist Bruce Whistlecraft (A.K.A Doktor A) has become synonymous with the creation of Victorian Futurist style Robot characters. Indeed, his popular ongoing Mechtorians series unravels the story of the retrobotic realm of Retropolis one artwork at a time. Brass moustachioed Scientists rub copper plated elbows with polished metal Bank Managers and Socialites in this fantastical realm where humans play no part. Every aspect of our own world is reflected and filtered through the robot’s ill informed perception, to the point where the absurdities of daily life are shown in sharp contrast. Social heirachy played out as theatre and consumer trends reflected as crippling exercises in vanity. When machines try and duplicate our world the nonsense of the everyday becomes magnified.

Having exhibited for the last six years in gallery shows set as far afield as Los Angeles and Hong Kong, Tarnished Daydreams marks Doktor A’s debut UK show. His forth solo show to date, this will be the first in his home country and will feature illustrative works as well as his trademark dimensional pieces. His existing works have found homes in high profile private art collections around the world and new pieces are keenly anticipated. His characters have also reached a wider audience through the medium of toys. Short run collectible figures take on the role of three dimensional art prints, with rarer editions being highly sought after.

Doktor A is a member of the artist collective Circus Posterus, a group of cutting edge artists who have grown out of the Pop Surrealism movement centred in the USA.

Urban Pop Culture gallery and store Ik’sentrik in the heart of Bath will host this intimate exhibition of mechanical whimsy. Ik’sentrik’s owner Ryan Coyle has been a champion of the Art Toy movement in the UK for many years, previously mounting successful art shows in Bristol.

Where ? Ik’sentrik, 3 George Street, Bath, BA1 2EH, UK Tel : +44 (0)1225 316049 web : www.iksentrik.co.uk

When ? April 1st – 30th 2010 Reception opening Friday 1st, 6pm to 10pm. (Doktor A will be in attendance.)