A visit to Robert Burden Xavier’s Play at Heron Arts is part Jumanji and part animal safari, where literary and pop iterations jump out and grab or gleefully pull you in. Creatures from cartoons, comics and video games surround majestic, hyperreal renderings, the “beastly” portraits framed amidst backdrops inspired by stained glass, circus posters and illuminated scripture. If the size of these pieces doesn’t overwhelm, the gleeful detail will. On a smaller scale, three lacquer framed lightboxes trade size for depth and natural history. While Play is fun and games, the heart and soul of each critter will follow you out the door.

Play shows at Heron Arts through April 26, 2020