In 1987, American artist Mike Kelley (1954 –2012), known for his provocative and often unsettling artworks exploring themes of American popular culture, childhood, and trauma, began to make sculptures from stuffed animals. Kelley described the toys as “the adult’s perfect model of a child”– cute, clean, sexless.” However, Kelley’s plush toys, purchased secondhand from thrift stores and yard sales, were discarded and soiled from use. Seemingly beyond redemption, they are darkly humorous monuments to lost innocence and repressed emotions.
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Tag Archives: toys
Pink Thing of The Day: Harrod’s Pink Teddy Bears
The legendary Harrod’s flagship store located in Knightsbridge, London is the biggest goddam department store in Europe. Despite the fact that the place sells everything, the entire basement level is dedicated exclusively to the sale of branded swag of every category imaginable, so that no tourist leaves without buying something, anything emblazoned with the Harrod’s name. That, my friends, is how you do marketing. Anyhoo, I’m a pretty disciplined shopper, so I was able to resist the desire to purchase even this adorable Pink Teddy Bear adorned with a satin ribbed with the Harrod’s brand name in gold. I did, however, leave with this photo.
Eyeball Splat Ball!
Are you looking for a squishy, slimy, and slightly gross toy to entertain your kids, or maybe yourself? Look no further than the Eyeball Splat Ball! This little slightly creepy little gem is perfect for relieving stress, playing pranks, or just squeezing for fun. With its gooey texture, realistic eyeball design, and the satisfying Splat sound it makes as it hits the wall, it’s sure to be a hit. Just be warned: once you start squishing it, you won’t want to stop!
Spotted at the Booth for On The Road Reps at NY Now Winter Marketplace.
Yes, It Exists: Taylor Swift Crochet Doll Kit
In case there was any doubt that pop superstar Taylor Swift has infiltrated every corner and niche of the pop culture universe, now you can make you own tiny crochet doll version of Taylor. So, yay, I guess?
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Pink Thing of The Day: John Waters Crocheted Sock Doll in Pink Suit
If you consider yourself to be any kind of fan of film director John Waters — his movies, his art, his overall outlook on life — then you need to head to Hollywood to check out the Academy Museum’s career-spanning exhibit, John Waters, Pope of Trash, which I was fortunate to see just before Christmas.
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