Artist explores language’s strange evolution at Trifecta

By Kristen Peterson (contact)

Wednesday, May 30, 2012 | 6:32 p.m.

Vocabulary is an ever-evolving art form, changing from generation to
generation with new words cycled in as others fade or linger. Those out of the loop scratch their heads or seek the repository of the new vernacular, known as the Urban Dictionary.

There’s no artist better suited to take on this folly than Thomas Lee Bakofsky, whose stab at the game of language—Yes No Maybe at Trifecta Gallery—features amusing and confusing words: “milkwad,” “wangus,” “chode,” “fig nutz” and “gooner,” for example. Bakofsky is a master illustrator, whose paintings on panel are either words composed with renderings of food (“cupcake” spelled out of french fries) or accompanied by snacks, groceries, sundries or cleaning agents.

It’s another fun exhibit by the LA resident (and founder of Yeastside Brewers) who has given us typography favorites in previous Trifecta exhibits, delivering words like “macho” made from rendered layers of skin (from hair follicles on down), “asshole” out of cigarette butts and french fry hearts.