This Is Not A Toy exhibition takes you to that happy place

Text and photos by Sonya Davidson

Art can be sometimes intimidating and untouchable but at this freshly opened exhibit there is a feeling of wonderment. There is a sense that art is accessible, playful and luxurious all at the same time. THIS IS NOT A TOY is a contemporary art and design exhibition that offers an unprecedented, close-up look at incredible works of art from private collectors from around the world including several pieces from the home of Pharrell Williams, guest curator of this show.

John Wee Tom and Sara Nickelson, co-curators of this exhibition, explain the explosive popularity of designer toys as collectibles as they guided media through the exhibit. They had mentioned that this it’s the first large-scale exhibition of it’s kind in the world. “Getting the collectors to loan their pieces wasn’t easy as the pieces are so cherished amongst them,” says Nickelson. But to also have the artists themselves on board in one space is quite amazing. Since a few of the artists are friends with Pharrell, they understood the importance of this exhibition and jumped in. Contemporary artists and designers such as KAWS, Takashi Murakami, Course, Misaki Kawai, Yoshitomo Nara, MediCom Toy, Huck Gee and others featured in one open space is nothing but spectacular!

In this exhibit there is an appreciation of art and the feelings that are stirred within the viewers. The line between low-brow and high-brow art is erased and there’s plenty to show for it from sculptures to paintings and videos. An impressive full collection of 500+  3” Kidrobot DUNNYs are displayed down a corridor…reminds me of when I use to collect small-figured toys as a child! And who knew that Pharrell is a big fan of Spongebob?

A few larger-than life pieces are worth spending time over.  The Simple Things is a collaborative piece by Takashi Murakami and Pharrell Williams. The hungry orb like creature is made with glass fibre, steel, acrylic, wood, and LED. Inside the cave of the toothy mouth sits seven everyday objects made with gold and set with 26,000 rubies, sapphires, emeralds and diamonds. The sculpture was first unveiled at Art Basel in 2009 and sold for $2.8 million.

Pharrell explains in several previous interviews that the inspiration for this piece was about how we often forget about the simple things in life. The featured seven items includes a pop can, running shoe, cupcake, bottle of ketchup, lotion, a bag of Doritos and a condom – items that would have everyone wonder what’s the big deal and who cares? Does the thought of seeing a jewel encrusted object give you satisfaction? Could the actual consumption of the product itself triggering that same satisfying feeling?

The mix of high and low is apparent in many objects on display but the overall sense is that not all art needs to be behind glass cases. There are many objects that can be touched …and you will want to, trust me. It’s hard not to give the oversized DOMA plush creatures a squeeze or two!

Visitors can absorb a multi-faceted sensory experience, as they are immersed in a vibrant world filled with music, video, and vinyl via iPad Air, iPad mini with Retina display and iMac.

Listen to in-depth interviews with artists such as KAWS, Huck Gee and Frank Kozik, see stop-motion videos created by fans of Kidrobot figures, and get an exclusive look at how vinyl toys are made and customized.

THIS IS NOT A TOY exhibit is THAT happy spot that offers escapism from reality through art. To say this is eye-candy is not enough! You’ll have to experience it yourself.

The exhibition is now open to the public at the Design Exchange in Toronto until May 19, 2014.

For more information on the exhibition including special events like Family Sundays, visit www.dx.org