designer toys :: essays research papers

Theres a movement under foot. Its a exit of artifice and toys and its struck a chord with toy collectors and art lovers a same. Its urban Vinyl and this is a brief history for those whod wish to learn a little more about this art movement in the making.First, to meet Urban Vinyl, one must throw aside their conventional ideas of what makes a great toy. Sure, designing of the piece plays a big part in the making of both. But the big difference is that Urban Vinyl is victor from the start. This is true art, not a replication of another form. For example, more than likely, you infantry how much you like your Gonzo action figure on how much it looks like the actual Gonzo. In order to appreciate Urban Vinyl you enchant it for what it is. There are no preconceived notions because what the piece is is all it is, man. Also, things like articulation arent as all important(predicate) because the Vinyl isnt always made to be played with. Yes, I know you play with your Skeletor. We all do. Ed note call down it more than twice and youre playing with it. But Urban Vinyl is created with art sensibilities in mind, so sculpt and design are the most important ingredients. Now Im not saying that people like the Four Horsemen arent awed craftsmen. They are. But what they are doing is giving us their take on an already designed character. This is maestro to a point, but Urban Vinyl is master all the way to its core.So how did the plastic move from the pegs to the pedestals? It all starts in Hong Kong with a man named Michael Lau. It was the late nineties and Lau was showing paintings in galleries and working(a) in advertising. He was employed by a music multitude named Anidoze to create the cover art for an upcoming album. Instead of a 2-D design he created an original action figure and photographed it. He had been making original figures for a while for friends and family, and decided to create one for the cover, showing a broader audience his style. It received a v ery warm response and take to the first official Urban Vinyl line, The Gardeners. These were 12 inch vinyl group figures that represented a modern positive lifestyle. No violence or drugs, but tattooed, pierced, and wearing clothes that the urbanites were wearing at the time.