Exhibit: This Is No Ordinary Toy Exhibit!

Heya! Last week I visited the Design Exchange to explore it's latest exhibit This Is Not A Toy. This original exhibition, took it's name from disclaimers often found on product packaging claiming, "This Is Not A Toy". It is also, the world's first large scale exhibit dedicated to designer toys, and guest curated by Grammy Award winner Pharrell Williams.

 

Godly By FriendsWithYou, 2010

Ad-At Giant by Bill McMullen, 2014

This Is Not A Toy explores the conceptual toy as an art form and cultural phenomenon. Many big name designers like KAWS and Takashi Murkami have their works displayed, including pieces from Pharrell's own personal collection. The exhibition's centerpiece is the amazing sculpture entitled The Simple Things, created by Takashi Mukami, Pharrell, and Jacob the Jeweler. Within the smiling metal and fibre glass oyster-like creature, is some of Pharrell's favourite things, like a Pepsi can and a bag of Doritos, encrusted with jewels. Several sculptures, paintings, video, and thousands of figurines, make up this whimsical and fun exhibit, that both young and old can enjoy!

The Simple Things by Tukashi Murakami, Pharrell Williams, and Jacob the Jeweler, 2009

KAWS Dissected, 2006; KAWS Companion, 2004; Companion, 2004 by KAWS

Visiting This Is Not A Toy was such a fun and extraordinary experience! I am not a toy collector, or am I familiar with the designer names or their designs, but I still enjoyed this exhibit. And after my visit, I feel a little more educated about this relatively new art form. This Is Not A Toy runs until May 19, 2014 at the Design Exchange, downtown Toronto. For more information please visit www.dx.org

The Beatles "Can't Buy Me Love" Kubrick Set by MediCom, 2011

Master Control by Doma, 2004

Have you visited the 'This Is Not A Toy' exhibit? What did you think?


And P.s!: Magic Pony, a local collectible and designer toy store, is running a pop -up shop in the lobby of the Design Exchange. A perfect place to start or add to your toy collection!

P.s,

Melanie!