In 'Macro Machines' at Gamut Gallery in Minneapolis, artist Russ White plays with ideas of toys

March 31, 2016 at 11:06PM
Provided by Gamut Gallery ìThe Honeymoonís Over,î by Minneapolis artist Russ White
“The Honeymoon’s Over,” by Minneapolis artist Russ White. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Child's play can preview adult life with all its dreams and aspirations, aggression, disappointment and disasters. So Minneapolis artist Russ White suggests in meticulously colorful drawings of the toy vehicles — Micro Machines — he loved as a kid. In his complicated setups, the cars act out traumas of modern life, often to wry or darkly comic effect. "The Honeymoon's Over," shown here, depicts an abandoned, bullet-riddled military Humvee trailing tin cans tied on with wedding streamers. Ripe with irony, bitterness or poignancy, the drawing could be a comment on any number of American problems, from military adventurism to skyrocketing divorce rates or routine slaughter. Your call. Besides drawings, expect provocative sculpture and photos. (Opening reception 7-11 p.m. Sat., April 2. Free. 3-7 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 1-7 p.m. Saturdays through April 23. Gamut Gallery, 717 S. 10th St., Mpls. 612-367-4327 or gamutgallerympls.com)

Mary Abbe

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