Toy Art Update, by Steve Agin

2 March 2009

As long as the world turns, and no matter what the weather, Toy Art is a continuous form of joy. In Phillips de Pury & Co’s March 14th Saturday@Phillips sale in London, we have a selection of Toy Art that ranges from the vintage-classic and radical Japanese and American exponents; featuring Gargamel and Marmit to the hybrid 'wildflower' custom paint designs by Matt Walker (Dead Presidents), Scrappers, Kirkland Jue and other West Coast artists. From the far-flung genius of Caracas, Carlos Enriquez-Gonzalez, to the razor sharp cutting edge American wit of Frank Kozik and Tim Biskup, we invite you to board our auction dreamship of toys.

Lot 76
FRANK KOZIK, Belchor, 2008
ESTIMATE £1,500-2,000
Here stands Mr. Kozik's monumental 3 foot tall "Belchor" made of fiberglass. This hallucinogenic escapee from the mad mind of the artist looks like the love child of Lewis Carroll and Dr. Seuss done in homage to the Easter Bunny, BUT actually descends directly from Japanese Kaiju (monster) history. Frank painted this one especially for the sale and no other exists in this galaxy. One of only about 40 such figures produced.

Lot 61
GOLD LIGHTAN ROBOT GB-37
Produced by Popy Co., Japan, ca. 1980
ESTIMATE £300-400
At the other end of the spectral Arcanum is the wondrous and perfectly classic “Lightan Robot” from the legendary Japanese toymakers at Popy Co. Producers of the most avidly collected die cast robots of the 1970's, the GB-37 and its siblings were immortalized in a full-length animated movie of the same name. These ingeniously engineered robots were inspired by the hot fashion trend of the time, when "everyone" carried a chic gold lighter. But these robots performed functions way beyond the norm and the sale features 4 of the original toys from the movie.

Lot 70
DOROL
Produced by Shikaruna Co., Japan, 2008
ESTIMATE £100-150
The next shocker we have pictured here is the magnificent "Dorol" by the hot, hot Shikaruna Co. in Japan. Able to extend its reach, and total height, to a foot and a half (with arms raised), this gargantuan exotic may be the closest thing ever created to the Rue Morgue monster of literary nightmare infamy. Created in this special metallic paint version as a promotion to be sold at only one store in Japan, it has to be seen from all sides to experience all its thrilling horror.

Lot 74
BOB CONGE (PLASEEBO), USA & MARK NAGATA / TOY MAX CO., USA
Eyezon Meets Night Gamer, 2008
ESTIMATE £700-900
Mark Nagata & Bob Conge collaborated on this lot by painting each others creations; Bob painted Mark’s “Eyezon,” and Mark painted Bob's “Nightgamer.” This is a rare and fabulous mix of standard Toy Art features including transparency, glow in the dark, and LED motion-activated lights that change color in classic vinyl form. Moreover, they are emblematic of not only the beauty this art form exudes, but also a strikingly unique characteristic of the new art - collaborative work. Never before has there been such a fraternal flow of wealth exchanged by any group of artists. This unique identity has become one of the most noticeable and enriching qualities of this revolutionary art form.

Lot 90
MR. EWOKONE
Bear Market Qee, produced by TOY2R, USA, 2008
ESTIMATE £500-700
Lastly, with a dark and solemn, fresh and current contrast, is the observance and dirge- "Bear Market Qee", by one of the smartest and most soulful up-and-coming young artists, Mr. Ewokone. Customized from an earlier production of TOY2R's Qee, Ewok has instantly transformed the PVC mainstay into a cunningly grave portrait of loss. Sure to unsettle, this 20-inch totem has the artist's trademark symbols; coins and postage stamps, demonstrating the art works value as a commodity. The optimist in me says this is a good investment.

Don't miss the truest and deepest art of our time. See the whole catalogue of this Saturday sale.