russian mafia plushes by gal shkedi @ rotopolpress, germany (nov 14-jan 28)
Israeli-designer Gal Shkedi's series of RUSSIAN MAFIA Plush Toys [previously featured on TRE in early 2008] will be on exhibit at RUSSENS (Russian Exhibition) @ Rotopolpress Gallery - Kassel, Germany (Nov 14 - Jan 28, 2009) - and will also see the inclusion of a new AK-47-totting gang-member; KIRILL!
According to Gal - the flaming Molotov-wielding DIMA, the twin-pistolera PASHA, KIRILL and BORIS the Butcher are digitally printed on a basic cloth (which feels a bit like plastic finish), with every one of them hand made, cut, sewn and puffed-up internally with a "synthetic filling". What's cool about these plushes (besides the awesome Russian prison-tattoos) is that they have magnets in their hands, which allows them to hold unto their weapons, or even to hang from a refrigerator. These plushes stand an average height of 9.5 inches (at least for Boris :p).
CLICK THRU for more info & images including initial sketches by Gal!
These criminal mafia-plushes are available @ Rotopolpress and Urbanix in Tel Aviv (not listed on their website tho) - or email Gal direct @ gal.shkedi [at] gmail.com for prices and availability. Personally, with all the cutesy-pie plushies out there, these are utterly refreshing, IMHO :)
