ARTFUL SEOUL @ BLAXK (Opens Jan 27, 2024)
UPDATED WITH OFFICIAL EVENT PRESS RELEASE: 27 January 2024, Singapore – As the space for pop culture, art and collectibles, BLAXK by ActionCity (BLAXK), in collaboration with Korean art toys collective K-TOYZ, is proud to present the ARTFUL SEOUL exhibition, the first Korean toy artist group show in Singapore!
Hallyu has reached Singapore, and it is not just limited to K-pop or K-Drama! The designer art toy scene has been active in Korea, with toys gradually being the key face of high artistic and creative expressions. Through the successful launches of various characters and designer toys from Korean creatives and artists in recent years, some of these key Korean works have also made an impact in the international art toys scene, gaining a strong global following.
More than 10 representative artists from the Korean art toy scene have come together to showcase their distinctive works in this inaugural exhibition. From veteran artists who have been active in the Korean art toy scene for an extended period of time to recently acclaimed rookie designers, ARTFUL SEOUL puts together a fascinating collection of collectible art prints, digital assets, large-scale sculptures and exclusive designer toys from a diverse and creative array of Korean artists!
The Next K-Wave - Korean Art Toys
With the mission to present Korean toy designers and artists to the world, K-TOYZ Co., Ltd. specialises in the manufacturing, distribution and licensing of art toys. Driven by the motivating principle of "Finding Trends while Playing", K-TOYZ established the company as the expert agency in the art toy industry managing over 40 Korean art toy IPs, in collaboration with both domestic and international companies. K-TOYZ is actively involved in diverse operations to bring these creative works to market – through covering production, distribution, sales and corporate collaboration with focus on licensing.
Some of the key names represented by K-TOYZ include the following artists, of which all of their works are showcased at the ARTFUL SEOUL exhibition!
2ZAKKA (@2zakka) is an art toy artist who, from the moment of encountering art toys, has been positively influenced and strives to share that inspiration with others. His works are imbued with positive and benevolent influences and aims to propagate a butterfly effect of positivity and kindness. 2zakka conveys this message through his creations, holding the belief that small changes can have a significant impact. The character Emudy that is currently in production, was born from the combination of "Emotion" and "cloud." Through Emudy, 2zakka seeks to express a spectrum of emotions and, in doing so, share the feelings of those who encounter it. Through his artwork, 2zakka endeavors to encapsulate diverse emotions and transmit a positive energy as he continues to evolve his work.
AMAZ (@amaz_works) is a toy artist who explores the concepts of solitude and loneliness. Through the experience of loneliness, particularly in comparison with social media and the people around, AMAZ cherishes and values moments of solitude.
The artist's work delves into the process of self-discovery and growth through solitary moments, amidst the noise of news and the surroundings, conveying a message that utilising one's alone time can lead to finding a better sense of self.
However, while highlighting the significance of being alone, AMAZ also stresses the value of time spent together. The artist suggests that through solitary moments, one can appreciate shared moments more profoundly. AMAZ seeks to share personal experiences of loneliness with others, aiming for growth and understanding through this sharing process.
AONE (@aone_won) is a designer who works in various art fields, including toys and 3D design, creating an original street culture-based character "KOWON" with unique eyebrows. The "KOWON" series combines the Japanese word "ko" which means "small" with the artist’s name "Won"
KOWON was conceived to evoke the emotions and memories of the artist’s childhood, who further shared, “As a child, it was all about doing what I loved or wanted every day. However, as I slowly grew into adulthood, I began to lose the purity and freedom of my childhood self and it saddened me to see the person I was becoming, someone different from my true self. This character was created in the pursuit of rediscovering the confident and innocent self I was in my youth. I hope that while looking at my work, people will take the time to look within themselves more than they worry about how others see them”.
BABYZZOO / ZZOO (@baby_zzoo) is an artist who conceived the brand ZZOO to create illustrations, art toys, living and fashion goods based on the things she wanted, dreamed and liked as a child.
ZZOO shared, “Through my work with the motto "Anything can be", I hope it will be a time to bring out the small dreams that each of us had in our hearts when we were young, and the images in our heads that we drew at least once. And I hope ZZOO becomes a memorable brand and something special for you with a variety of my heartfelt works”.
CLOCKHOUSE (@daily_clockhouse) is an animation studio and art toy creator that focuses on character brand development and has been pursuing diverse creations. From 'Happy Nun' to 'Flying DongDong' and 'Kung Fu Corn Heroes,' Clockhouse presents uniquely designed art toys with its distinctive creative sensibility.
NOYA is the brand of art toys by the artist Kim Noya (@imkimnoya), with the Western skull character 'bonkey' as the main focus. He began his work to overcome the fear of death and created the character 'bonkey' with the intention of having the strength to confidently raise the middle finger even in the face of great adversity. Drawing inspiration from various styles seen in the Western culture, NOYA showcases works that express a dystopian mood.
The artist RASTAMOON (@rastamoon) was inspired by the messages in reggae musician Bob Marley and the Korean reggae band Windy City’s music and their lives. He deeply sympathised with their music, which encompasses the concept of love, peace, respect and understanding in a cheerful rhythm, beyond reggae hair or colourful fashion. RastaMoon creates his work with a desire to connect with people through positive messages.
Entering the World of Korean Art Toys
To celebrate the Year of the Dragon, artists AONE, CLOCKHOUSE and RastaMoon will be launching their new art toys decked in dragon motifs exclusively at the ARTFUL SEOUL exhibition. Other exhibition-exclusive releases include works from NOYA.
Beyond the above 7 featured names, K-TOYZ will also be exhibiting works from other Korean artists including Byoungyong Ko (@tobeytoy), Chewyhams (@chewhams_funi), Esther Kim (@estherbunny_original) and Kim Jungyoun (@vagab).
This exhibition fosters the exchange of art toy culture between Korea and Singapore, showcasing the diverse and creative array of Korean artists sharing their magical creations to our sunny island. With this cultural theme spanning from the Korean identity, the ARTFUL SEOUL exhibition invites you to this upcoming form of K-Wave through the extraordinary world of Korean designer art toys!
This exhibition will be open to the public at BLAXK by ActionCity Funan, 107 North Bridge Rd, #01-03, Singapore 179097) from Saturday, 27 January 2024, and exhibits thru Sunday 24th March 2024.
About BLAXK by ActionCity @theblaxkspace
BLAXK by ActionCity (BLAXK) is a space for all things pop culture, design and art. Set up by ActionCity in September 2021, BLAXK marks the 21st anniversary and growth milestone of the brand as the industry thought-leader spearheading the convergence of pop culture, art and collectibles in Singapore.
Beyond curating pop art collections through partnerships with world-class artists & brands, BLAXK inspires meaningful and deep connections between all who share a common love for pop art and collectibles through serving as a creative and interactive hub celebrating the vibrant growth of pop culture and community.
About K-TOYZ @ktoyz_official
K-TOYZ will lead the global toy culture beyond Korea, introducing competitive Korean toys and characters to the world, and sharing toy culture with people worldwide. We have collaborated with various artists and companies, from emerging talents to large toy companies. We support everyone in the character industry, including toy artists, illustrators, game companies, and character studios, making it easier for them to conduct business. We collaborate with partners to bring ideas to life.
