Los Angeles based artist Jon Pylypchuk is best known for his sculptures of puppet-like creatures crafted from old clothes, stuffed toys, wood, and other materials. Organised in theatrical-like installations featuring anthropomorphic figures, his work conveys a sense of melancholy, humour, and vulnerability. Emotionally resonant characters explore themes such as human relationships, societal issues, and existential questions, all seen through the lens of dark humour and satire.

- Please don't push me too far, 2005
is an addition to the artist's universe of so-called “lovable losers”. The anthropomorphised animals, reminiscent of black cats, dressed in identical uniform-like clothes are engaged in what appears to be a post war context. Part of a dystopian setting, these creatures are depicted as possible aggressive villains, but also as vulnerable individuals. They appear in a wounded condition, vomiting, exhausted. Positioned to interact with each other and their environment, the work conveys a sense of emotional intensity. The title itself, "Please Don't Push Me Too Far," hints at themes of boundaries, personal space, and emotional thresholds. Appropriating wry humour affirmative of life, the work, which addresses issues of violence, illness, and loss, is also a plea for empathy and understanding, reflecting the fragility and complexity of human emotions.



MC