GAM: Doesn’t This Look Awesome? This Is Not A Toy
GAM: DOESN’T THIS LOOK AWESOME? This Is Not A Toy curated by John Wee Tom and DX Associate Curator Sara Nickleson with Guest Curator Pharrell Williams, explores design and art objects made in a toy aesthetic. The name is derived from the disclaimer found on toy-like products manufactured for adults. Canada’s Design Museum Design Exchange (DX) promise a whimsical display of sculptures, figurines and art works ranging from a value of $2 to $2 million created by artists such as Takashi Murakami, KAWS, FriendsWithYou, Coarse, Huck Gee, and Frank Kozik. Many come from Pharrell’s private collection.
“Pharrell personifies this century’s renaissance man. His influence on music, fashion, design and contemporary art is profound,” commented Shauna Levy, President of the DX. “From penning and performing 2013’s hottest songs to the furniture he designed for Emmanuel Perrotin Gallery, to his BBC/Ice Cream streetwear, he is truly ubiquitous. But it was his amorous relationship with urban vinyl and contemporary art that precipitated this collaboration with the DX… I am thrilled to host another first for the Design Exchange, Canada’s Design Museum.”
Sounds amazing; investigating playful aspects of contemporary art, bridging the gap between art and design by displaying objects that adhere to and/or expand on the cultural signifier “toy.” Pharrell’s involvement makes the exhibition more complex by blurring the lines between or perhaps a juxtaposition of high-art and pop culture, it also fits in-line with the museums mission to ”draw broad public appeal and reflect contemporary popular culture.” I want to go to Toronto!
This Is Not A Toy at Design Exchange, 234 Bay Street, Toronto open through May 19th, 2013.
ps. Another cool toy exhibition Japan: Kingdom of Characters, currently on view at Östasiatiska in Stockholm through June 15th – produced by the Japan Society and has been touring for 2+ years. Apparently you can take your photo next to a larger than life Astroboy. Kawaiiii!!!