In February at Canada’s Design Museum, the Design Exchange (DX) will host the world’s first ever large-scale exhibition dedicated to urban vinyl as contemporary art will go on display. Until May 18 vinyl fans will have the opportunity to see firsthand the phenomenon of designer “toys” as the DX Exhibition Hall is transformed and filled with toys ranging from the small to gigantic free-standing pieces. Guest curated by singer/songwriter/producer Pharrell Williams the exhibit will feature international works that demonstrate conceptual sophistication, rigour and execution as provided by some of the industries most artists. In addition to Williams guest curatorial duties, the exhibit will be cocurated by John Wee Tom, co-founder of the Templar Hotel and DX Associate Curator, Sara Nickleson. This Is “Not A Toy” takes its name from the disclaimer found on packaging for objects geared to adults that might be harmful to young children. With roots in late 1980s graffiti culture, the subversive and cult-like art form of urban vinyl is as rebellious as it is fun. Lying at the intersection of fine art, marketing, pop culture, product and graphic design, toys are highly collectible objects for a post-Pop world, often selling from hundreds to tens of thousands
e 170