Big Solo Wr3k

AdFunture provided their 3” blank Yoka panda bear vinyl figures and DKE Toys co-founders Dov Kelemer and Sarah Jo Marks found over 200 artists to participate in the Custom Yoka Show. Featuring work from 20 countries the show turns the quirky little panda into everything from a dirty thug to a sweet snail in this tremendous exhibition. Pieces range from $25 to $800 and will be available for purchase through Black Maria Gallery. The Custom Yoka Show is meant to coincide with the release of Yoka Series One, a blind boxed collectible figurine that is now available. http://www.adfuntureworkshop.com/feature_show.php?ft_id=42 Yoka is a series of vinyl art toys created and produced by Adfunture, first released in June 2008. The collection includes figures in two primary sizes: a larger 10-inch figure and smaller 2.5-inch figures, each individually blister-packed. The Yoka series has featured numerous editions and collaborations with various artists and brands. These collaborations have made Yoka figures a canvas for artistic expression, appealing to both collectors and artists within the designer toy community. The series’ limited editions and unique designs contribute to its enduring popularity among enthusiasts. Nerviswr3k is the artistic alias of American artist Gabriel Rivas, a Phoenix-based sculptor and designer renowned for his intricate, biomechanical creations that delve into themes of mental health, dystopia, and inner turmoil. Since entering the designer toy scene in 2006, he has developed a distinct style characterized by monstrous figures adorned with sharp teeth, cybernetic elements, and surreal anatomical features. Rivas’s work is deeply personal, often reflecting his experiences with mental health challenges. His sculptures manifest as paranoid delusions of overlords, infestations, drones, and personifications of pain, among other demons . These themes are brought to life through his use of mixed media, incorporating materials like recycled computer parts, polymer clay, and acrylic paints to create textured, layered pieces .