Toy Shop — Who said art was inaccessible?
The art world in Singapore tends to feel gatekept away from the average joe.
Many abstract or contemporary works are perceived to be highly complex, with art history often seen as necessary background knowledge in order for one to appreciate fine art.
simpleArte rejects this idea.
Curated by simpleArte Creative Director Chan Qing Hao, “Toy Shop” is a Pop Art exhibition featuring multiple art toys and childhood-oriented prints from an array of internationally renowned artists, from the limited-edition toy designer KAWS from USA, to China-based artist Shen Jingdong, and Spanish Mixed-Media artist Edgar Plans.
The intercontinental curation aims to show Singaporeans, regardless of background, that fine art can be understood, appreciated and collected by anyone. The trio have, in their own ways, pushed the boundaries of what could be considered art, and fought battles against the typical gatekeeping of the contemporary world.
The exhibition will feature authentic limited-edition vinyl art toys from KAWS, a New York-based artist and designer whose works are highly sought after by collectors worldwide. KAWS is best known for his ‘Companions’, trademark cartoon characters with iconic X-shaped features — often their eyes — and cauliflower-like ears.
In a similar vein to pop artist legend Andy Warhol, KAWS pushes the boundaries between fine art and commercial work, refusing to submit to the notion that ‘high’ art must be created in a vacuum. Amongst the classic KAWS vinyl toys, simpleArte will be displaying one of KAWS’ early commercial collaborations, KAWS x Kate Moss.
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Also featured will be paintings and sculptures from Chinese artist Shen Jingdong. Mr Shen is a big player in the Contemporary New Wave, both in China and throughout the world. Since 2007, his works have been exhibited in China, Italy, the Republic of Korea, Japan, France, and more.
Among our highlights from will be works from Shen’s ‘Hide and Seek’ series, a playful set of paintings that depicts children from all walks of life, and it reveals in Shen an innate fondness for the fun and innocence of childhood, in contrast to his more serious portrayals, such as the wounded and soldiers.
Rounding off the headline exhibits are metal art toys by highly acclaimed Spanish artist Edgar Plans. Edgar is known for his ‘Animal Heroes’, a series of cartoon characters that evoke in his viewers a nostalgic reminiscence of childhood innocence and optimism.
Rather than “have someone looking over [his] shoulder”, Edgar elected to pursue his own expressive art style rather than remain under tutelage. A one of a kind original painting by him will be available for collectors. His ‘Reading Heroes’ series will also be on display, alongside several of his animal hero paperweights.
“I think toys convey a certain universal language. Despite coming from three different continents, all three of these artists decided to create a medium of work that celebrates the things that gave us joy in our childhood, and it’s something that all humans can relate to on a fundamental level,” said Mr Qing Hao, who curated the show.
“A child doesn’t need to understand the language of another to engage in play with them. Why should a collector need to have studied art in school before he starts purchasing artwork?”
For collectors and families looking to appreciate or acquire work from some of the international Art Toy movement’s biggest icons, details are as follows:
simpleArte Gallery, 27A Arab Street,
30th May to 25th June 2023,
Tuesdays to Fridays 12pm to 6pm.
Saturday viewings are available upon request.
