In “It’s a Jungle Out There,” Joyner’s robots trade their domestic lives featured in “Donut Logic”—his 2010 exhibition at Corey Helford Gallery—for fantastical adventures in rough-and-tumble jungles. “I use the robots to reflect my adventures, real and imagined, in Thailand. It runs the gamut from fighting, encountering animals and hiking to having fun,” Joyner says.

The theme of the exhibition was inspired by Joyner’s recent trip to Thailand. “The northern jungles of Thailand were so inspiring that I wanted to create a show that reflects some of the things that I experienced there,” Joyner says. “There were beautiful trees, birds, mountains, elephants, tigers, butterflies, flowers and monkeys. Jungle paintings are easier said than done though—there are so many leaves, branches and foliage to paint. It really tested my patience.”

“It’s a Jungle Out There” will feature 18 pop-surrealism paintings of robots interacting with jungle animals such as elephants, monkeys and snakes. For example, in “All Wrapped Up,” a 48-by-36-inch oil painting, an anaconda coils around the body of a pink metallic robot, who holds a donut just out of reach.

Joyner realizes that the jungle is a strange locale for robots, but relishes in creating new environments for his electronic muses. “The best thing about creating these new worlds is that it takes me out of this one,” Joyner says. “I like discovering new places and things and this is one way for me to do it.”

In addition to new robots and animals, “It’s a Jungle Out There” will also include Ultraman, a character from the 1960s Japanese television series.

Following are a few images from the opening reception.

-Amy Duran

Eric Joyner

It's a Jungle Out There

Corey Helford Gallery

Through February 8, 2012

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