‘Swell' (acrylic on canvas, 48 in x 72 in) by Gary Baseman
Mattel's toys have inspired generations of creatives. Not only can their playful essence be seen in the works of many contemporary creatives, but the toys have even prompted many to pick up a pencil or marker for the first time. To celebrate this legacy, Corey Helford Gallery (CHG) and Mattel Creations have come together for the exhibit Toys As Art, Art Inspired By Toys: Mattel's 80th Anniversary Group Exhibition. The show features the work of 80 artists who have found inspiration in these beloved properties.
The group exhibition is part of Mattel's 80th-anniversary celebration happening all year long. The show called for artists to reimagine the company’s famous toys—such as Barbie, Hot Wheels, Fisher-Price, American Girl, UNO, Matchbox, and Polly Pocket—as new and original works of art. Bringing together established and emerging artists, the creatives weaved their style and childhood memories with lore from each property. The result is a vibrant series of one-of-a-kind pieces that also nod to Mattel's longtime bond with the art and design spheres.
Among the well-known figures who contributed their work are Mark Ryden, considered the Godfather of Pop Surrealism, who turned a Barbie doll into a sculpture-like piece; Paul Frank, who previously collaborated with the company on a limited-edition Barbie doll; and Gary Baseman, who has given a Mattel-esque twist to his well-known cast of characters.
“I can honestly say Mattel have been my muse for as long as I can remember,” says Brandi Milne, who submitted a panting inspired by the original 1959 Barbie. “They’ve brought joy, play, and imagination to the people (young and old!) since 1945 and they are the best toys/creations in the biz!!”
The selection of motifs offers a peek inside each creative's mind and serves as a testament to the lasting influence of these toys. While the many facets of Barbie, who turns 66 years this year, are well represented throughout the exhibit, so are more recent properties, such as the spooky-inspired Monster High. Meanwhile, Fischer-Price's red and white Toy Chatter Telephone, one of the first toys many children get to play with, makes several cameos throughout the exhibit.
“Since its founding by Ruth and Elliott Handler, Mattel has been a creations company, powered by artists, designers, and trailblazers,” says Lisa McKnight, Mattel’s Executive Vice President and Chief Brand Officer. “As we celebrate our 80th anniversary, it's only natural we would collaborate with artists to reimagine our iconic brands, where our toys become a canvas for their art. This partnership between Mattel Creations and Corey Helford Gallery is an exciting invitation for the world to join us in celebrating the unique intersection between art, toys, and imagination.”
Toys As Art, Art Inspired By Toys: Mattel's 80th Anniversary Group Exhibition opens March 15 at the main gallery at CHG, with a side exhibition showing the origin stories and creative processes behind Mattel's toys taking place at the venue's Gallery 3. These exhibits run parallel to Ben Ashton's Or You Could Panic show—whose sculptural ornate portraits won't feel out of place with the neighboring exhibitions. To learn more, visit Corey Helford Gallery's website.
The exhibition Inspired By Toys: Mattel's 80th Anniversary Group Exhibition showcases the work of 80 artists who have found inspiration in the toy company's most famous properties.
‘He-Man transforms into a London Police Robot’ (acrylic paint and indelible ink on Brussels linen, 23.75 in x23.75 in) by The London Police
Part of Mattel's year-long 80th-anniversary celebration, this group exhibition called for artists to reimagine the company’s famous toys, such as Barbie, Hot Wheels, and Fisher-Price.
‘Astronaut Barbie' (watercolor, ink, pencil and gold leaf on paper, 11 in x 8 in) by Kelogsloops
Bringing together established and emerging artists, the creatives weaved their style and childhood memories with lore from each property.
‘Draculara' (acrylic on birch panel, 24 in x 24 in) by Sylvia Ji
The result is a vibrant series of one-of-a-kind pieces that also nod to Mattel's longtime bond with the art and design spheres.
‘Heavy Mattel' (custom framed canvas print, 15 in x 20 in) by Kii Arens
“I can honestly say Mattel have been my muse for as long as I can remember,” says artist Brandi Milne.
‘The Madonna and Child’ (oil on wood panel, 24 in x 18 in) by Bennett Slater
The selection of motifs offers a peek inside each creative's mind and serves as a testament to the lasting influence of these toys.
‘Wild Card' (hand painted acrylic, resin & glitter on wood, 24 in x 24 in) by Harald Austad
“Since its founding by Ruth and Elliott Handler, Mattel has been a creations company, powered by artists, designers, and trailblazers,” says Lisa McKnight, Mattel’s Chief Brand Officer.
‘Childhood Best Friend’ (oil on canvas, 16 in x 12.5 in) by Hikari Shimoda
“As we celebrate our 80th anniversary, it's only natural we would collaborate with artists to reimagine our iconic brands, where our toys become a canvas for their art.
‘Polly Pocket Forever' (acrylic and graphite on crescent board, 14 in x 10 in) by Junko Mizuno
While the many facets of Barbie are well represented throughout the exhibit, so are more recent properties, such as Monster High.
‘Draculaura’ (acrylic on canvas, 23.5 in x 19.5 in) by Victor Castillo
‘Skelita' (oil on eskaboard, 13 in x 13 in) by Xue Wang
‘Skeletor' by Dave Shuten
Toys As Art, Art Inspired By Toys: Mattel's 80th Anniversary Group Exhibition opens March 15 at the main gallery at Corey Helford Gallery.
‘Executive Decision' (oil on canvas, 24 in x 18 in) by Richard Ahnert
