BLUE TENGU for 2025/2026

In my final Q&A for the 2025/2026 serial feature, I asked Singapore-based Desmond Hinkson AKA Blue Tengu about his past year and what to expect for the future!

ABOVE: Seen on display at Singapore Art Toy Community Booth at Pop Toy Show Singapore 2025.
BELOW: Seen on display at the Studio Toki X Neufcats booth at Pop Toy Show Singapore 2025.

TOYSREVIL: How has 2025 been to you? How was 2025 for you?

DESMOND HINKSON: 2025 was a year of real growth and adventure for me. I made my first trips to Taiwan thanks to Sapien Toy Studio and had the chance to exhibit at both the Mushroom Festival in Tainan and the Taipei Toy Festival — experiences that opened my eyes to new communities and collectors.

I also showed at Pop Toy Show for the first time, made possible by Neuf Cats and the Singapore Art Toys Community, and launched my new resin toy, Tetrapod, at Super Toy Festival.

DESMOND HINKSON: One of the biggest honours of the year was being invited to the Blaxk Space Gallery × POP SCRAMBLE Exhibition – MOGOLS Custom Show, where I presented my Mogols Mountain of One Hundred Yokai custom. Being part of that lineup meant a lot to me, and I’m deeply grateful for the trust and support from everyone who believed in my work.

Looking back, 2025 pushed me creatively, connected me with new audiences, and reminded me why I love making art toys.

TOYSREVIL: What can we look forward to in 2026 from you?

DESMOND HINKSON: In 2026, I’m excited to build on the momentum of last year. I’ll be returning to some of my favourite shows, and I’m pushing myself creatively with several new toy sculpts that explore forms and ideas I haven’t tried before. I’m also expanding my lineup with apparel — something I’ve wanted to do for a long time — and I can’t wait to share the first designs when they’re ready.

Another big focus for me this year is strengthening my online presence. I’m working on launching a proper website and improving my socials so collectors and friends can follow my process more easily. It’s a new challenge, but one I’m really looking forward to.

If you’d like to follow along with what’s coming up, you can find me at instagram.com/blue_tengu.