Brought to life by basic mechanical elements, Tobias Bradford's sculptures reflect the intricacies of the human psyche by mimicking actions akin to compulsive behavior. Drawing from his own childhood memories, the artist delves into the notion of animism, depicting a stage where distinctions between individuals and inanimate objects blur. In his first solo show at Company titled, As my eyes adjust, Bradford pierces the veil between fact and fiction with unsettling tableaux that come to life by eternal repetition.

The exhibition engages the senses even before it comes into view—motor sounds and joint creaks draw visitors into the gallery where The Power (Air So Thick I Could Swim Through It) (2024), a trio of deconstructed wooden legs, hangs in perpetual motion. These uncanny objects appear to operate independently, challenging our concepts of self-agency. Much like how a word can lose meaning when repeated, Bradford's works illustrate moments stuck in a loop, revealing the intricacies and oddities of everyday life.

Descending to the lower-level gallery, visitors encounter a stark contrast: dim lights, a faux green carpet, and organic signs of life create an immersive installation evoking the outdoors. Nature unfolds as the skeleton of a tree, Nude Figure (2024), sets the scene. A loiterer, Joints creak like tectonic plates, (2024), nervously stands aside while smoking a cigarette and holding a blue plastic bag. In this idyllic yet fragile scene, joy intertwines with undertones of dread. A four-legged creature, Dog (2024), lies on the ground, either peacefully sleeping or nearing its end. Its lungs are powered by a toy accordion, and while its legs keep moving, it seems to go nowhere.

This environment, filled with conflicting sensory information, invites a subtle tension between rational thought and emotional experience, moving fluidly between dream and reality. With poetic nihilism, Bradford astutely captures the essence of finding solace in the outdoors, seeking melatonin after prolonged indoor confinement, and the subtle discomfort experienced in the park. The sculptures - creatures trapped in inertia - form a poignant narrative that delves into the delicate balance of autonomy and existence. Through these nuances, Bradford’s work merges technology and nature and offers us a unique perspective on our collective experiences and the cyclical essence of life and death, time and humanity.