If you think the only people interested in plastic figurines are children then think again.
Picture: Arash Moallemi
These figures, often known collectively as urban vinyl, are no mere playthings; fans consider them art and design objects in their own right, cultural signifiers designed to express an aesthetic, concept or idea.
Picture: Arash Moallemi
Hundreds of these figures, ranging from ones depicting the perennially-helmeted French dance duo Daft Punk, to a gold bust of Chairman Mao (with added Mickey Mouse ears) have gone on show at the Design Exchange in Toronto, Canada, in the first ever exhibition dedicated to ‘conceptual toys’.
Picture: Arash Moallemi
Called This is Not a Toy, the exhibition, which runs until 19 May was curated by John Wee Tom and DX Associate Curator Sara Nickelson. The American musician Pharrell Williams, a fan himself, has contributed to the exhibition in the role of guest curator.
According to the Design Exchange, ‘The exhibition explores the conceptual toy – a form made solely as an expression of an aesthetic, concept or idea – as an art and design object as well as a contemporary cultural signifier.
Picture: Arash Moallemi
‘Visitors dive headfirst into the realm of designer toys as the Exhibition Hall is transformed into a vibrant and whimsical environment, filled with forms ranging from tiny trinkets to enormous free-standing pieces.’
Picture: Arash Moallemi
The exhibition was chosen by designed Michael Sodeau as one of his must see art design and architecture events in the currentissue of Blueprint. See his other choices here.
Picture: Arash Moallemi
