AJ Fosik, a self-described “sawdust provocateur,” crafts wooden sculptures that appear as totem-like beasts, extending from the wall with a spiritual vibrancy. The artist counts taxidermy, rituals from varying cultures, and folk art as influences in these pieces. The nature of how the pieces stand or are mounted to walls, in particular, references taxidermic practices. His work adorned the cover of Hi-Fructose Vol. 18.
“Ideas of empathy and synthesis are a common duality in the work, whereby the anthropomorphized figures communicate the basic human condition,” a statement says. “Totems and fetishes, as well as the ‘random, chaotic and arbitrary nature of existence,’ fascinate Fosik; though less overt, the animals he creates represent a plethora of icons from various theologies, giving them the subversiveness of a cast of fictional, anti-religious gods. The artist delights in the endless interpretations the works have inspired in his viewers.”
The artist has a new show with Library Street Collective in his native Detroit titled “From Ripe to Rot.” The show collects the artist’s latest flamboyant creations.
The samurai's enormous impact in Japan was even felt in fashion, and in Tetsuya Noguchi’s sculptures and paintings, contemporary fashion influences their own garb. "This Is Not a Samurai" is the artist's new show at Arsham/Fieg Gallery in Kith Soho. The micro-gallery in New York City has garnered praise for giving smaller works attention. The show kicks off today at the small space.
Spanish artist 
Isaac Cordal brings new sculptures to C.O.A. Galerie in Montreal with "Ego Monuments," his distinctive everyman showing the solitude of contemporary living. Alongside his balding figures is a depicting of the U.S.'s embattled leader in "Game of Thrones" and human-faced livestock grazing an urban puddle. The show runs through Oct. 12. (Cordal was last featured on our site 
The remixed and altered porcelain sculptures of ceramicist Penny Byrne often have a political edge. Byrne's methods recall the methods of Barnaby Barford and the late Click Mort. She uses enamel paints, epoxy resin, putty, and other materials to evolve these found statues.