The dream of self-regulating machines, automata and Frankensteins that out- perform and threaten to replace us is fully realized in Jay Johnson’s video and kinetic sculpture installation.

A tenuously-grasped tale of dream sequences and visions unfolds on the wall. The protagonist, a disturbed and ineffectual doll, is a kinder, gentler relative of "Chucky".

The narrative ebbs and flows, and then stops. With a whirr, the plot is picked up by objects in the room--machines come to life. Amputee dolls, rusted springs, dilapidated cogs and wheels turn in a freakshow of curiosities a la Tim Burton.

The lights dim...the hum dies...the movement stops, and the video reappears on the wall with a new episode. The cycle continues.

We enter a disturbing world of subconscious fears and desires, where our hearts and other parts are replaced by tick-tocking mechanisms. The characters in this dark saga are slave to their drone-like logic. Somehow, it’s all very funny. Or I am laughing to avoid what might be true?