OSHKOSH PUBLIC MUSEUm, WISCONSIN

REPLAY, february 18 - May 13, 2018

Flashback to the 80s. A time when blockbuster movies, cable networks, and video games reigned. The golden era where superheroes and supervillains ruled. REPLAY draws inspiration from these popular science fiction, movies, comics, and games, bringing your favorite characters to life.

With more than 30 pieces on display, creatively using both traditional and unexpected media, REPLAY is delightful, whimsical, and incredibly striking. The exhibition is intended to be nostalgic as it harkens back to the stories, games and experiences of this iconic era. 

The selected group of talented artists featured in this exhibition have put a playful, modern spin on how these iconic characters are seen today. It challenges the way we view the storylines we remember so fondly, and at the same time, reflect on the stories we hold dear about our community and its history. A keen-eyed guest will quickly find references to fan favorites, such as PAC-MAN, Wonder Woman and Darth Vader, in this one-of-a-kind exhibition. 

“This collection of works showcases the inspired energy that drives pop culture and makes geek enthusiasts of us all,” said Debra Daubert, Curator of Exhibitions. “REPLAY celebrates these iconic characters and the comic books, stories and animation from which they are found as part of our own modern mythology. Just as folktales, fairy tales and ancient myths say something about the cultures from whence they came – superheroes, mystical warlords and space explorers are our heroes, our stories, and commentary on our society.” 

From Teletubbies to Tie Fighters, from LEGO® bricks to Rubix Cubes, the artwork in the REPLAY exhibition features something for the entire family. Since his emergence in the art world, Dave Pollot has been known for his ability to merge classic and contemporary stylings with a bit of tongue-and-cheek humor. The artist paints a second life onto the repurposed canvases he finds at thrift stores. One example is Flyin’ Solo, an elaborate turn of the century seascape with what appears to be a visitor disrupting the harmonious beach day – the Millennium Falcon preparing to land. 

“Most everything that I’ve painted was based around something from my childhood, something that I’ve grown to love,” said Pollot. “The characters bring people together and give us something to root for, they give us something we can all believe in, and REPLAY allows us to re-experience these important icons through an artistic lens.” 

A convergence of heroic fantasies, alternate realities, and the weighty burdens that come with the expectation of growing up, are sentimentally placed side-by-side in a setting that suggests a time tunnel of nostalgic wonderment. The monumental-sized, vibrant and hyper-realistic works featured in this exhibition evoke a shared sense of nostalgia that pop culture fanatics of all ages and backgrounds can easily relate with. Pop culture is amplified on a fine art platform in a way no other collection has ever done. 

REPLAY is the ultimate throwback, combining mediums and artists the world over. This fun and lively exhibition will make you feel like a kid again!

http://www.oshkoshmuseum.org/oshkoshPublicMuseum/exhibitionsPrograms/replay